Awareness of handwashing among final students of Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College,Berekum

Abstract

The study focused on the awareness on handwashing among final year students of Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Berekum during COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive study design was used for the study. Convenience sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty-six students for the study. Data collection was done through the use of structured and semi structured questionnaires. The study found that vast majority (96%) of the respondents said handwashing prevented the direct transfer of infectious pathogens. Majority (90%) of the respondents indicated that one way of reducing COVID 19 transmission is to promote good hand hygiene practices. Vast majority (94%) of the respondents were of the view that the target of proper hand washing is to break the infection chain. Most (60%) of the respondents were reminded by notice boards to wash their hands followed by those who were reminded by pictures (18%), friends (2%) and those who washed their hands without being prompted (13%). Almost all (91%) the respondents said they always perform hand washing after visiting the washroom. The study recommended frequent hand hygiene training should be carried out to ensure students areadequately informed on the benefits of hand hygiene. It also recommended that hospitals and institutions avoid the use of bar soaps in hand hygiene since they can harbor bacteria. The study revealed adequate knowledge on handwashing among nursing and midwifery trainees. The most effective hand hygiene method was handwashing with antiseptic/antibacterial soap and water