Water, hygiene and sanitation practices amongst medical students in Moi University Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective and inexpensive means of preventing infections. Rates of hand washing are low worldwide even amongst health care workers who should know about its importance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and hand washing practices both in and outside the hospital amongst medical students in Moi University. Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional survey carried out amongst randomly selected fourth to sixth year medical students of the of Moi University. A simple questionnaire exploring perceptions, attitudes and self reported behavior was used. Information obtained included biodata, awareness information and practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Two hundred and sixty one students participated in the study with an M: F of 1.5:1. Diarrhea diseases were most commonly recognized as being associated with contaminated hands. 37.6% washed their hands regularly after interacting with their patients while 33.9% did so only after the days work. 58.3% and 58.9% washed hands before meals and after defecating respectively. Use of soap was generally low. The greatest motivation for hand washing was fear of contracting disease, whilst constraints included lack of soap, forgetfulness and inconveniently located sinks. Conclusion: Hand washing rates are low amongst medical students in Moi University. Recommendation: There is need for regular education and re-education of students on hand washing practices.

Perception of Hand Hygiene Habit and Health Implications Amongst the Students of a Tertiary Institution in Southwestern Nigeria

“…This might be due to believe among the majority of the populace that soaps are only for bathing and laundry, rather than handwashing. This finding is in support of Songa (2015) who reported among hand washers was 12% compared to non-hand washers which was 88%. This needs to be accepted with modicum of caution as some re-infection may not be symptomatic thus respondents might not take cognizance of the occurrence and their immunity level.…”

“…And since faeco-oral transmission is an established route for self-infection, many of the respondents may not be aware of possibility of the re-infection since a few respondents (24%) and (31.0%) only washed hands after toileting and before meal. This is contrary to Songa (2015) who reported (58.9%) and (58.3%) respectively.…”

“…However, some reasons by the respondents on the correct disposition to hand wash hygiene included absent minded attitude, academic work stress, lack of knowledge of health implications and some level of water scarcity. The knowledge of hand hygiene amongst the respondents revealed that cholera (32.0%) is the most recognized diseases known to be associated with contaminated hands followed by typhoid (16.0%) and Ebola (10.0%), this is contrary to Songa (2015), who reported diarrhea as the most known disease that is associated with poor hand hygiene. (Nwabueze et al, 2016).…”

“…However, between knowledge and practice, the knowledge on various aspect of hand washing is better in doctors who had practice rate of 23% compared to nurses (28%) Songa et al, (2015). A Percentage of 37.6 of medical students in Kenya washed their hands regularly after attending to patients with the fear that failure to wash hand can lead to infection (Songa, 2015). Nair et al (2014) reported a low knowledge of hand hygiene (9%) among medical and nursing students in India, however the nurses' knowledge was significantly better than the medical students.…”