ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS HAND WASHING AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE FOR INFECTIONS AMONG STUDENTS OF KAMPALA SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

The lack of WASH services in health facilities increases the risk of healthcare-associated infections and lowers patient satisfaction. The study aimed to identify the attitude and practices towards hand washing as a preventive measure for infections among students of Kampala school of health sciences, Wakiso district.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional study design. The study population comprised registered students of Kampala School of Health Sciences, Wakiso district with a sample size of 50 respondents.

 Results

(66%) noted that their rate of being at risk of acquiring infections as a result of omitting hand washing was high. (62%) preferred hands rub as the most convenient method of hand washing. (70%) were not satisfied with the facilities available for hand washing at school. (50%) agreed that they feel free to motivate a fellow student to always implement hand washing as a mechanism for infection prevention. (52%) reported that they regularly wash their hands. (50%) reported inadequate access to hand washing facilities at school as a reason as to why they irregularly wash their hands. (52%) reported that sometimes they receive formal sensitization on hand washing at school. (66%) reported that they use facial expressions while greeting their colleagues at school with handkerchiefs as the drying method after hand wash.

 Conclusion

Attitudes towards hand washing among medical students were significantly worthy of impressing but certain displeasing practices such as adequate access to hand washing facilities noticed by the researcher need to be enriched for the effectiveness of infection prevention.

 Recommendation

The school administration should carry out frequent training sessions and performance feedback to encourage students to follow correct hand hygiene practices. These interventions would help identify gaps in practices.