Comparison of knowledge, attitudes and hand hygiene behavioral intention in medical and nursing students
Identificadores
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10481/94035Metadata
Show full item recordAuthor
Cambil Martín, Jacobo; Fernández-Prada, María; González-Cabrera, Joaquín; Rodríguez López, C.; Almaraz-Gómez, A.; Lana Pérez, A.; Bueno Cavanillas, AuroraMateria
Hand Hygiene Healthcare occupations students Training
Date
2020Referencia bibliográfica
Cambil-Martin J, Fernandez-Prada M, Gonzalez-Cabrera J, Rodriguez-Lopez C, Almaraz-Gomez A, Lana-Perez A, Bueno-Cavanillas A. Comparison of knowledge, attitudes and hand hygiene behavioral intention in medical and nursing students. J Prev Med Hyg. 2020 Apr 2;61(1):E9-E14. doi: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1.741. PMID: 32490263; PMCID: PMC7225645.
Abstract
Introduction
Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent cross infection. Healthcare students are in a prime position to learn hand hygiene skills. The aim of this study was to analyze hand hygiene behavioral intentions of healthcare students before and after contact with the patient and to compare the knowledge of and attitude towards hand hygiene between medical and nursing students.
Methods
In a descriptive survey research design, convenience selection of a sample of medical students (n=657) and nursing students (n=303) was done from modules taught by the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health in both Medicine and Nursing undergraduate degrees in four Spanish universities. The hand hygiene Questionnaire, a validated instrument to evaluate behavior, knowledge, and attitudes, was used.
Results
A significantly lower percentage of students reported always or almost always carrying out hand hygiene before contact with the patient or invasive procedures in comparison to the percentage complying after contact with secretions or with the patient. Although hand hygiene knowledge appears acceptable, its importance is not sufficiently valued.
Conclusions
There are deficiencies in behavioral intention, knowledge, and attitudes related to hand hygiene in medical and nursing students. Better results are observed among nursing students, especially those who have received specific training.