Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 2.766
Filter
1.
BMC Cardiovasc Disord ; 24(1): 228, 2024 May 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724928

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 virus has had wide-ranging effects on all healthcare systems and a direct impact on all areas of human life in all countries around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive actions to reduce the prevalence and severity of the complications associated with this disease. The purpose of this study was to explain the dimensions of adopting general self-care behaviors (mask-wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, and home quarantine) for preventing COVID-19 based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in cardiovascular patients. METHODS: This was a descriptive-analytical study conducted with the participation of 420 patients referring to health and treatment centers of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, in 2022. Sampling was done using a non-random (convenience) method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing items addressing demographic characteristics, questions related to the TPB, and questions dealing with the adoption of everyday self-care behaviors against contracting COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (prevalence, mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and linear regression) in SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the rate of adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19 among cardiovascular patients was moderate. The results also showed that among the constructs of the TPB, Perceived behavioral control, Subjective norms, and Perceived behavioral intention were the most important predictors of adopting self-care behaviors among cardiovascular patients with a change variance of 46%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have implications for health and treatment policy makers as well as planners of educational and behavioral interventions aimed at promoting the adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19. In this respect, managing and institutionalizing desirable behaviors among cardiovascular patients could be beneficial from economic, social, and health-related aspects.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiovascular Diseases , Health Behavior , Self Care , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Cardiovascular Diseases/psychology , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Iran/epidemiology , Aged , Adult , SARS-CoV-2 , Quarantine/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Hand Hygiene , Masks , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
2.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control ; 13(1): 49, 2024 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38730473

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Following publication of the 2009 World Health Organizations Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Health Care, a debate has emerged regarding the relative antimicrobial efficacy of the different formats (rinse, gel, foam) of ABHRs and their ability to contribute to reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). METHODS: Data regarding the in-vivo antimicrobial efficacy of ABHRs and other factors that likely affect their effectiveness in reducing HAIs were reviewed, and a comprehensive review of studies that reported the effectiveness of each of the three ABHR formats to improve hand hygiene compliance and reduce HAIs was conducted. RESULTS: The amount of rubbing time it takes for hands to feel dry (dry time) is the major driver of ABHR antimicrobial efficacy. ABHR format is not a major factor, and several studies found that rinse, gel, and foam ABHRs have comparable in-vivo antimicrobial efficacy. Other factors that likely impact the ability of ABHRs to reduce transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens and HAIs include ABHR formulation, the volume applied to hands, aesthetic characteristics, skin tolerance, acceptance by healthcare personnel, and hand hygiene compliance rates. When accompanied by complementary strategies, promoting the use of each of the three ABHR formats has been associated with improvements in hand hygiene compliance rates. A review of 67 studies failed to identify an ABHR format that was significantly more effective in yielding statistically significant reductions in transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens or HAIs. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence is insufficient to definitively determine if one ABHR format is more effective in reducing transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens and HAIs. More rigorous studies such as multicenter randomized controlled trials comparing the different formats are needed to establish if one format is significantly more effective in reducing HAIs.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection , Hand Disinfection , Humans , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Hand Hygiene , Gels , Anti-Infective Agents, Local/pharmacology , Guideline Adherence
3.
Epidemiol Infect ; 152: e69, 2024 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38557427

ABSTRACT

Hand hygiene (HH) is the paramount measure used to prevent healthcare-associated infections. A repeated cross-sectional study was undertaken with direct observation of the degree of compliance on HH of healthcare personnel during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Between, 2018-2019, 9,083 HH opportunities were considered, and 5,821 in 2020-2022. Chi squared tests were used to identify associations. The crude and adjusted odds ratios were used along with a logistic regression model for statistical analyses. Compliance on HH increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 54.5% (95% CI: 53.5, 55.5) to 70.1% (95% CI: 68.9, 71.2) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was observed in four of the five key moments of HH established by the World Health Organization (WHO) (p < 0.05), except at moment 4. The factors that were significantly and independently associated with compliance were the time period considered, type of healthcare-personnel, attendance at training sessions, knowledge of HH and WHO guidelines, and availability of hand disinfectant alcoholic solution in pocket format. Highest HH compliance occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a positive change in healthcare-personnel's behaviour regarding HH recommendations.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Guideline Adherence , Hand Hygiene , Health Personnel , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Hand Hygiene/statistics & numerical data , Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data , SARS-CoV-2 , Hand Disinfection
4.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control ; 13(1): 45, 2024 Apr 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38637873

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is a crucial measure for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The Hand Hygiene Excellence Award (HHEA) is an international programme acknowledging healthcare facilities for their leadership in implementing hand hygiene improvement programmes, including the World Health Organisation's Multimodal Improvement Strategy. This study aimed at summarising the results of the HHEA campaign between 2010 and 2021 and investigating the relationship between different hand hygiene parameters based on data from participating healthcare facilities. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on datasets from HHEA forms, including data on hand hygiene compliance, alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) consumption, and Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) scores. Descriptive statistics were reported for each variable. The correlation between variables was inspected through Kendall's test, while possible non-linear relationships between hand hygiene compliance, ABHR consumption and HHSAF scores were sought through the Locally Estimated Scatterplot Smoothing or logistic regression models. A tree-structured partitioning model was developed to further confirm the obtained findings. RESULTS: Ninety-seven healthcare facilities from 28 countries in three world regions (Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America) were awarded the HHEA and thus included in the analysis. HHSAF scores indicated an advanced hand hygiene promotion level (median 445 points, IQR 395-480). System change (100 [95-100] points) and institutional safety climate (85 [70-95] points) showed the highest and lowest score, respectively. In most cases, hand hygiene compliance was above 70%, with heterogeneity between countries. ABHR consumption above 20 millilitres per patient-day (ml/PD) was widely reported, with overall increasing trends. HHSAF scores were positively correlated with hand hygiene compliance (τ = 0.211, p = 0.007). We observed a positive correlation between compliance rates and ABHR consumption (τ = 0.193, p < 0.001), although the average predicted consumption was stable around 55-60 ml/PD for compliance rates above 80-85%. Logistic regression and partitioning tree analyses revealed that higher HHSAF scores were more likely in the high-ABHR consumption group at cut-offs around 57-59 ml/PD. CONCLUSION: Ten years after its inception, the HHEA proves to be a valuable hand hygiene improvement programme in healthcare facilities worldwide. Consistent results were provided by the different hand hygiene indicators and the HHSAF score represents a valuable proxy measure of hand hygiene compliance.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection , Hand Hygiene , Humans , Hand Hygiene/methods , Retrospective Studies , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Hospitals , Health Facilities
5.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control ; 13(1): 44, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38627805

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products can be contaminated with bacteria and cause healthcare-associated infections, which are underreported from low- and middle-income countries. To better understand the user-related risk factors, we conducted a knowledge, awareness, and practice survey among hospital staff in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaire distributed among healthcare workers in three tertiary care hospitals (Burkina Faso, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo). RESULTS: 617 healthcare workers (85.3% (para)medical and 14.7% auxiliary staff) participated. Less than half (45.5%) had been trained in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), and only 15.7% were trained < 1 year ago. Near two-thirds (64.2%) preferred liquid soap for hand hygiene, versus 33.1% for alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). Most (58.3%) expressed confidence in the locally available products. Knowledge of product categories, storage conditions and shelf-life was inadequate: eosin was considered as an antiseptic (47.5% of (para)medical staff), the shelf life and storage conditions (non-transparent container) of freshly prepared chlorine 0.5% were known by only 42.6% and 34.8% of participants, respectively. Approximately one-third of participants approved using tap water for preparation of chlorine 0.5% and liquid soap. Most participants (> 80%) disapproved recycling soft-drink bottles as liquid soap containers. Nearly two-thirds (65.0%) declared that bacteria may be resistant to and survive in ABHR, versus 51.0% and 37.4% for povidone iodine and chlorine 0.5%, respectively. Depicted risk practices (n = 4) were ignored by 30 to 40% of participants: they included touching the rim or content of stock containers with compresses or small containers, storing of cotton balls soaked in an antiseptic, and hand-touching the spout of pump dispenser. Filling containers by topping-up was considered good practice by 18.3% of participants. Half (52.1%) of participants acknowledged indefinite reuse of containers. Besides small differences, the findings were similar across the study sites and professional groups. Among IPC-trained staff, proportions recognizing all 4 risk practices were higher compared to non-trained staff (35.9% versus 23.8%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings can guide tailored training and IPC implementation at the healthcare facility and national levels, and sensitize stakeholders' and funders' interest.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents, Local , Disinfectants , Hand Hygiene , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Tertiary Care Centers , Benin , Burkina Faso , Chlorine , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Soaps , Ethanol , Personnel, Hospital , Bacteria
6.
Skin Res Technol ; 30(4): e13675, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38558144

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This research assessed the safety of aqueous ozone (AO) on human skin after multiple exposures for up to 40 hours. METHODS AND RESULTS: Full thickness recombinant human skin (EpiDerm FT, EFT-400) was exposed to AO for 7 seconds per minute for the first 6 minutes of each hour, repeated hourly over four time periods (4, 10, 20 and 40 hours). An MTT assay assessed viability of skin cells after exposure, compared to incubator control, negative control and vehicle control (distilled water). No significant difference in tissue viability was found between the AO condition and any of the control conditions through 20 hours of exposures. At 40 hours of exposure, tissue viability was lower in the AO group when compared with negative control (p = 0.030) but not the other controls. CONCLUSIONS: The current study supports further consideration of repeated application of AO on human skin, such as for hand hygiene. IMPACT STATEMENT: The present research is the first well-controlled in vitro study assessing the cytotoxicity of repeated exposures of AO on a full-thickness human skin model. This information helps to inform the evaluation of AO as a potential alternative for hand and wound antisepsis.


Subject(s)
Hand Hygiene , Ozone , Humans , Ozone/toxicity , Skin , Epidermis , Water
7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38673382

ABSTRACT

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources in schools is critical for disease prevention and control, especially during public health emergencies. In Belize, systematic, national data on WASH in schools are needed to inform public health decisions and interventions. From December 2021 to January 2022, a national survey was sent electronically to government and government-aided primary and secondary schools in Belize (N = 308) to gather information on WASH services. From the survey, 12 pilot schools were selected based on the highest self-reported need for WASH resources to participate in additional evaluation and intervention, which included environmental nudges, supplemental supply provision, and hand hygiene education. To understand how the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced hand hygiene, facility assessments to evaluate access to hand hygiene resources were conducted in person when most schools reopened for face-to-face learning during the pandemic (March 2022) and 15 months later (June 2023). Among the schools participating in the national survey (N = 221), 55% reported times when water was not available at the schools. Almost 9 in 10 schools (89%) had a functional handwashing station, and 47% reported always having soap for handwashing. Between baseline and follow-up at the 12 pilot schools, we observed decreases in the proportion of functional handwashing access points (-11%), functional handwashing access points accessible for individuals with disabilities (-17%) and small children (-29%), and functional alcohol-based hand rub dispensers (-13%). Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we observed gaps in WASH resources in schools in Belize during the onsite assessments at the pilot schools. Schools should be encouraged and provided with WASH resources to maintain vigilance for disease control measures.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hygiene , Sanitation , Schools , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Schools/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Belize/epidemiology , Water Supply , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Hand Hygiene/statistics & numerical data
10.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control ; 13(1): 41, 2024 Apr 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38610050

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization's (WHO) World Hand Hygiene Day continues to "bring people together and accelerate hand hygiene action at the point of care in health care to contribute to a reduction in health care-associated infections and the achievement of safer, quality health care for all".


Subject(s)
Capacity Building , Hand Hygiene , Humans , Hand , World Health Organization , Health Personnel
11.
BMC Infect Dis ; 24(1): 385, 2024 Apr 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38594631

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Practicing hand hygiene is recommended as one of the key preventive measures for reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious agents. However, it is often not practiced frequently enough or correctly by the public. We aimed to identify barriers to and facilitators of hand hygiene in the Zimbabwean population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted with a purposive sample of health workers, village health workers, church leaders, traditional healers, teachers, youth leaders and the general population selected from ten districts across the country from September to October 2022. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 key informant interviews per site. In addition, one homogenous focus group discussion was also conducted per site using a focus group discussion guide. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. All the analyses were performed manually using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two themes were identified as facilitators of hand hygiene. These include individual factors (knowledge of hand hygiene practices and how they are performed) and access-related factors (access to hand washing infrastructure, soap, and sanitizers). Among the barriers to hand hygiene, four themes were identified: individual factors (knowledge gaps in proper hand washing, lack of conviction about hand hygiene, and habitual behaviour), access-related factors (lack of access to hand washing infrastructure, soap, and sanitizers), safety concerns (concern about the side effects of sanitizers), and sociocultural and religious factors (social customs, cultural beliefs, values, and religious practices). CONCLUSION: During public health emergencies, there is a need for people to access uninterrupted, on-premises water supplies to promote compliance with hand hygiene. The provision of clean water and hand washing facilities is critical for vulnerable communities to afford them the opportunity to improve quality of life and facilitate resilience in the event of future pandemics. Community engagement is important for identifying vulnerability factors to provide appropriate mitigatory measures.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hand Hygiene , Adolescent , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Soaps , Quality of Life , Zimbabwe/epidemiology , Hand Disinfection
12.
Front Public Health ; 12: 1335560, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38638484

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding disinfection and hand hygiene, along with associated influencing factors among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, and to provide information for developing disinfection and hand hygiene strategies for childcare facilities. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Anhui Province residents in China in September 2020. In this study, 60 childcare facilities in two cities of Anhui Province were selected using the convenient sampling method for questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed through a web-based platform. The disinfection and hand hygiene KAP scores among childcare facilities staff were calculated, and their influencing factors were analyzed. The accuracy rates of knowledge, attitude, and practice of behavior were calculated and analyzed. Results: A total of 1,029 participants were included in the study. The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice ranged from approximately 5 to 23, 1 to 5, 3 to 13, respectively. The score of urban areas was higher than that of rural areas. Higher education levels and more years of working were associated with higher scores. Additionally, staff who received training or supervision had higher scores than those without. The categories with the lowest knowledge accuracy rate (46.3%), lowest attitude accuracy rate (4.2%), and "always" practice rate (5.3%) among childcare facility staff were all related to the question categories concerning the appropriate range of disinfectants for use. The accuracy rates of hand hygiene knowledge and attitude among the childcare facility staff were high (83.7%-99.6%), but the "always" practice rate was in the middle range (63.0%). Conclusion: The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge among childcare facilities staff was inadequate during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui. Continuous implementation of education and training, particularly in rural areas, is essential. Establishing a monitoring system to assess usage effectiveness and adverse reactions in China is critical. Interventions should focus on increasing compliance with hand hygiene practices. Further research should explore the training and intervention of disinfection and hand hygiene, the safety of disinfection measures, and more operational hand hygiene methods in childcare facilities.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hand Hygiene , Child , Humans , Hand Hygiene/methods , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Child Care , Disinfection , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Pandemics/prevention & control
13.
In Vivo ; 38(3): 1229-1235, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38688617

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Given the characteristics of Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), this study aimed at investigating its presence in the hands and contact lens cases of orthokeratology wearers, along with the status of bacterial contamination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 39 patients received the questionnaires about the background of orthokeratology and hygiene habits. A total of 39 contact lens cases and 39 hand samples from the patients were collected at Show Chwan Memorial Hospital from June to August in 2020 and sent to National Chung Cheng University for DNA extraction and PCR identification. RESULTS: The results indicated a detection rate of 5.13% for S. marcescens in the contact lens cases and 12.82% in the hand samples. Additionally, 66.67% of contact lens case samples and 30.77% of hand samples found positive for 16s bacterial amplicons. The relationship between hand contamination and the duration of contact lens usage were revealed for both S. marcescens (p=0.021) and 16s bacterial amplicons (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that hand hygiene is more critical than focusing on contact lens hygiene when it comes to preventing S. marcescens infections. Nevertheless, both proper hand and contact lens hygiene practices can reduce the detection of bacterial eye pathogens, especially a common intestinal bacterium.


Subject(s)
Serratia Infections , Serratia marcescens , Humans , Serratia marcescens/isolation & purification , Serratia marcescens/genetics , Male , Female , Serratia Infections/microbiology , Serratia Infections/epidemiology , Serratia Infections/diagnosis , Orthokeratologic Procedures/methods , Contact Lenses/microbiology , Contact Lenses/adverse effects , Child , Adolescent , Hygiene , Hand Hygiene , Adult , Hand/microbiology
15.
AORN J ; 119(4): 297-303, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38536398

ABSTRACT

Cell phone cleaning Key words: electronic device, disinfect, hand hygiene, bacteria, cell phone. Laundry facility accreditation Key words: linen, laundering, inspection, accreditation standards, Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC). Cleaning hybrid OR floor tracks Key words: hybrid OR, between-patient cleaning, terminal cleaning, maintenance, tracking system. Nail coverings in the perioperative setting Key words: nail lacquer, enhanced nail lacquer, artificial nails, natural nails, hand hygiene.


Subject(s)
Hand Hygiene , Laundering , Humans , Nails/microbiology , Accreditation , Health Facilities
16.
Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex ; 81(1): 44-52, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38503322

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is an important strategy for preventing health-care-associated infections (HAIs). Few programs focus on HH for family members and primary caregivers but fewer for patients. This study aimed to estimate the frequency with which hospitalized pediatric patients have hand contact with hospital surfaces. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive observational study consisting of three phases: the first was the creation of an observation and data collection tool, the second was the training of the monitors, and the third was the observational study of hand contact and HH opportunities in hospitalized pediatric patients. RESULTS: Over 3600 minutes of observation, 2032 HH opportunities were detected, averaging 33.8/h (SD 4.7) as determined by hand contact with hospital surfaces of hospitalized pediatric patients. In our study, infants and preschool children had the highest frequency of hand contact. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of hand contact of hospital surfaces by children suggests that hourly hand disinfection of patients and caregivers, objects and surfaces around the patients may be prevention measures that could be incorporated to reduce HAIs in pediatric hospitals.


INTRODUCCIÓN: La higiene de manos es una estrategia importante para la prevención de infecciones asociadas a la atención sanitaria. Existen pocos programas centrados en la higiene de manos para los familiares y cuidadores primarios, y aún menos para el paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la frecuencia con la que los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados tienen contacto manual con superficies hospitalarias. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal que constó de tres fases: la primera fue la creación de una herramienta de observación y registro de datos; la segunda fue la capacitación de los monitores y la tercera fue el estudio observacional del contacto manual y de las oportunidades de higiene de manos en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados. RESULTADOS: Durante los 3600 minutos de observación, se detectaron 2032 oportunidades, con una media de 33.8 (DE 4.7) por hora de oportunidades de higiene de manos establecidas por contacto manual con superficies de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados. Los lactantes y los niños en edad preescolar presentaron la mayor frecuencia de contacto manual. CONCLUSIONES: La alta frecuencia de contacto manual por parte del niño indica que medidas como la desinfección de las manos cada hora del paciente y del cuidador, así como de los objetos y superficies alrededor del paciente, podrían ser medidas útiles que deberían incluirse para prevenir las infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud en los hospitales pediátricos.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection , Hand Hygiene , Humans , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Hand Disinfection , Hospitals
17.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 6157, 2024 03 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38486036

ABSTRACT

Contagious diseases that affect young children place a great burden on them and their families. Proper hand hygiene is an important measure to reduce the disease burden, however, its implementation in day care centres is challenging. This paper introduces a digital intervention to support independent and good handwashing among young children. The intervention leverages animated instructions triggered by water and soap use, together with a symbolic reward shown to children on a screen during and immediately after handwashing. We tested the intervention in a pre-registered, cluster-randomised controlled field trial in 4 day care centres in Finland and Germany with 162 children over 42 days. The intervention increased soaping time, used as a proxy for handwashing quality, by 5.30 s (+ 62%, p < 0.001). The effect occurs immediately at the onset of the intervention and is maintained throughout the intervention phase.


Subject(s)
Hand Hygiene , Child , Humans , Child, Preschool , Hygiene , Hand Disinfection , Finland , Soaps
19.
J Hosp Infect ; 146: 21-30, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38311296

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, there may be a need to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in cancer care. When developing clinical guidelines, it is important to incorporate patient perspectives. AIM: To determine the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, IPC among persons with cancer and their next of kin in Norway. METHODS: Through discussions in expert panels and a pilot study, a survey was developed consisting of 13 knowledge statements to be judged true/false and 40 attitude items to be judged using a Likert scale and was sent to a panel of people with cancer experience on August 22nd, 2023. The mean correct responses and attitude scores were reported. FINDINGS: Of 551 respondents, the mean correct response to IPC-related knowledge questions was 79% (95% confidence interval: 78-80). Respondents were most knowledgeable about hand hygiene (99%, 546/551), but least knowledgeable about its role in preventing antibiotic resistance (41%, 225/551). Strong support was noted for IPC, especially within the patient responsibilities theme, with a mean score of 4.83. However, there was a notable reluctance towards some selected intrusive IPC measures, such as reducing contact with close relations. CONCLUSION: This survey revealed a high level of knowledge and attitudes that support the importance of IPC among persons with cancer in Norway and their next of kin. We recommend including patient perspectives in future development of IPC guidelines.


Subject(s)
Hand Hygiene , Neoplasms , Humans , Pilot Projects , Health Personnel , Infection Control , Surveys and Questionnaires , Neoplasms/therapy
20.
J Hosp Infect ; 146: 134-140, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38423133

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Incorrect glove use can cause cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections. Previous research has identified reasons for this, such as lack of indication, improper changing, and poor hand hygiene post use. Limited research has investigated the reasons behind healthcare workers' glove usage. AIM: To develop an in-depth understanding of healthcare worker (HCW) attitudes and perceptions of glove use and to explore barriers and facilitators as well as compliance with national guidelines. METHODS: A small-scale convergent-parallel mixed methods study design consisting of observations with focus group interviews (FGIs) by using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model (SEIPS). The study was conducted at two Norwegian municipal nursing homes in Oslo for two weeks in January-February 2023. FINDINGS: Out of 73 observations, gloves were used in 67 episodes, not worn even if indicated in six observations, and were overused 16 times (21.9%). Lack of hand hygiene after glove removal was observed in 36 out of 67 instances (53.7%). Two FGIs disclosed that glove usage decisions are shaped by habits, knowledge, experience, and emotions linked to patient requirements, tasks, and glove type. Double gloves were used for self-protection and efficiency. Availability of gloves was a facilitator, while poor glove quality posed a barrier. CONCLUSION: Despite HCWs' knowledge of glove guidelines, their attitudes did not consistently ensure compliance. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve hand hygiene after glove removal, urging awareness of glove overuse to reduce infections, protect HCWs' skin, and promote sustainability.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection , Hand Hygiene , Humans , Health Personnel , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Nursing Homes , Skin , Gloves, Protective
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...