KNOWLEDGE AND HAND HYGIENE PRACTICES FOR THE PREVENTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AMONG PRIMARY HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN LAM DONG PROVINCE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the proportion of primary healthcare workers in Lam Dong province with correct knowledge and proper hand hygiene practices for preventing infectious diseases in medical care, as well as related factors.

Subjects and methods: The study sampled healthcare workers from medical centers and commune health stations in Bao Loc City, Bao Lam District and Di Linh District who were engaged in clinical work and present at the time of the study. The study was conducted from February 2021 to June 2021, with participants who consented to join the research.

Results: The percentage of correct knowledge regarding the five moments of hand hygiene ranged from 48,88% to 80,34% across different moments. Specifically, knowledge of the six-step hand hygiene technique was 45,51%, knowledge of disinfectant agents was 84,83%, and the ability to differentiate between hand hygiene and glove use was 66,29%. The proportion of healthcare workers who correctly performed hand hygiene at all five moments was 70,94%. Factors associated with knowledge included gender, age group, and education level. Meanwhile, factors influencing hand hygiene behavior included occupation, and participation in hand hygiene training programs.

Conclusion: Among healthcare workers, 23,03% had good knowledge, while 76,97% demonstrated moderate knowledge. The proportion of healthcare workers who correctly performed hand hygiene across all five moments was 70,94%, with the highest compliance at Moment 3 ("After exposure to patient body fluids") at 93,82%, and the lowest at Moment 1 ("Before patient contact") at 78,09%.