Abstract:

Hand hygiene is one of the cheap and effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. Inadequate hand hygiene practices are estimated to affect 80% of the world’s population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health technicians candidates studying at the University of Gazi Health Services Professional College on hand hygiene. The universe of this epidemiological identifying study, the University of Gazi Health Services Professional Medical Laboratory, Elderly Care, Oral and Dental Health, Medical Documentation and Secretariat, First and Emergency Assistance Technical Program 1 and 2 class students have formed. The sample is 175 students, including 139 girls and 39 men randomly selected from this universe. The data was used in the face-to-face form. The survey form was prepared taking into account the CDC hand hygiene recommendations, and included various questions regarding hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices. In the analysis of data, frequency and Ki square tests were used. 46.8 percent of participants thought hand hygiene was cleansing hands from microbes, while 44.5 percent thought hand hygiene was cleansing hands.  The handwashing was found primarily after contact with animals (97.7%) when they entered the house (91.4%) and before and after the patient's visit (81.7%) Students had positive opinions about the importance of hand hygiene. They believed that handwashing protects against microbes (46.2) and provides cleaning-hygiene (31.4%). 50.8 percent of participants said they washed their hands frequently a day (10 or more). 100% of students were using soap and to wash their hands. In general, it reflects a good level of knowledge, positive attitudes and practices of students about hand hygiene. However, in the health care services, health technicians are advised to develop knowledge about handwashing techniques.

Keywords: