Adherence to hand hygiene at five moments and specific protection in a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction:During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to hygiene measures is an objective aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate adherence to hand hygiene and protection measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study on health personnel handwashing at the five moments recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as on the use of specific personal protective equipment. Results: One hundred and seventeen hand hygiene opportunities were observed in health personnel. Hand washing was observed in 40 (34 %) and omission in 76 (65 %). Adherence to the use of face shield was observed in five (4 %), and lack of adherence in 112 (96%). Adherence to the use of face mask was observed in 65 nursing professionals (87 %), with appropriate use of the mask in 56 of them (60 %) and use of face shield in one (1 %). Conclusion: Health personnel showed low proportions of adherence to hand hygiene and use of equipment for specific protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compliance with the five moments for hand hygiene of healthcare workers in a pediatric hospital. A prospective observational study

“…A study conducted in 2020 in a hospital in Cuba, which included 200 observations of doctors, nurses, and health technicians, reported 60% compliance with hand hygiene (15). In a tertiary hospital in Mexico, 65% of the omission of hand washing and the use of protective equipment was reported in a study conducted in a tertiary hospital during the pandemic (16). In India, handwashing compliance by health workers was 65%, in a hospitalbased population meanwhile in a population-based study the hang hygiene compliance was between 60 and 72%, according to the region of the country (17).…”