Tilahun Legese, Bekana Fekecha Hurissa
Background: One of the most recurrent themes with regards to the prevention of nosocomial infections in hospital has been the issue of hand washing and glove utilization among health care providers. Knowledge and practice of hand washing and aseptic technique are very important in preventing the transfer of pathogen micro-organisms by nurses to their patients in the course of rendering care. It is considered as one or the most infection control measures.
Method: A cross sectional study design was used to assess the knowledge and practice of hand-washing and glove utilization among health care providers of Agaro health center and hospital. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from study participants by using census method. The data was compiled and the variables calculated and analyzed for frequency, percentage and graphic presentation using SPSS for window version 20.
Result: Majority, 59 (80.9%), of the respondents said that many infections in the health care facilities are preventable with proper and consistent hand washing. Majority, 60 (82.2%), of the study participants reported that they donned glove regularly whenever contact with body fluid is anticipated. All of the study participants had adequate knowledge regarding glove utilization.
Conclusion: 70 (96%) of the study participants believed that hand washing is the single most effective mechanism to prevent the spread of infection. Majority, 60 (82.2%), of the study participants reported that they donned glove regularly whenever contact with body fluid is anticipated.a
