scholarly journals Comparison of a waterless hand-hygiene preparation and soap-and-water hand washing to reduce coliforms on hands in animal exhibit settings

2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 1024-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. DAVIS ◽  
H. SHENG ◽  
J. NEWMAN ◽  
D. D. HANCOCK ◽  
C. J. HOVDE
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Enteric Disease ◽  
Bacterial Counts ◽  
Serious Illness ◽  
Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test ◽  
Animal Handling ◽  
Total Bacteria

Outbreaks of enteric disease associated with exposure to live animals on exhibit have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years. Possibly the most important pathogen causing such outbreaks is Escherichia coli O157:H7, because of the serious illness it can cause. Hand hygiene is consistently protective against disease among persons exposed to animals implicated in these outbreaks. Livestock barns have limited hand-washing facilities, therefore a waterless hand-sanitizing gel would be a potentially preventive measure readily available to visitors and animal exhibitors. This study compared the reduction of bacterial counts on hands of animal exhibitors when soap and water was used or when an ethanol-based hand gel was used after animal handling. Participants were youth and adults involved with showing livestock. The sanitation methods were similar in reducing the total bacteria and coliform counts on the hands of the participants (Wilcoxon rank sum test P values 0·12 and 0·69 respectively).

scholarly journals Practical challenges in following hand hygiene guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic: an Indian perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 4078
Author(s):  
Jyothi Vasudevan ◽  
Madonna J. Dsouza ◽  
Abhijit V. Boratne ◽  
Yogesh A. Bahurupi
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Good Hygiene ◽  
Indian Perspective

Promoting good hygiene is one of the most basic and efficient tools that all countries must continue to adopt throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has spread far and wide with basically no locale left unblemished. The speed of the spread and the disturbing demise rates have seen numerous nations and wards acquaint measures with forestalling the spread of COVID‐19, and hand washing highlight firmly in these. Hand washing has gotten extensive consideration during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is a basic, essential preventive measure that a great many people can do freely. However, in India, the specific issues hamper compelling hand washing. This article will mention to us what are the issues confronted and how we can improve in these viewpoints. 

scholarly journals Effect of frequent hand washing for COVID-19 prevention

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 3969
Author(s):  
Raj Kumar ◽  
Sweta S. Kumar ◽  
Adesh Kumar ◽  
Prateek Jain
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Group B

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public health concern. While dealing with COVID-19 pandemic, hand washing and the use of hand-hygiene products has been advocated, as a preventive measure. However, frequent hand washing leads to an increased risk of skin changes ranging from dryness and peeling of skin to itching, redness and blister formation. This study aims to understand the hand-hygiene practices and compare side effects between group using hand sanitizers with the group using soap with water.Methods: A 12-item self-administered close ended questionnaire assessing the hand washing habits and effect of the same on skin was used. A total of 60 cases were enrolled. The correlation between use of hand hygiene measures and the clinical changes was studied.Results: In our study, 32 out of the 60 reported a frequency of hand washing between 5-10 times a day. The awareness about using hand moisturizer was noted in 75% individuals. Side effects were more commonly observed in group B using alcohol-based sanitizers as compared to group A using soap with water. Dryness was the most common symptom, observed in 23.3% individuals using alcohol-based sanitizers and 10% individuals using soap with water.Conclusions: Hand-hygiene measures remain the cornerstone of prevention of COVID-19 transmission. However, the use of hand-hygiene products is associated with side effects especially dryness. Regular use of hand moisturizer is essential in preventing the unnecessary effects of frequent hand washing.

scholarly journals Hand Washing Before and After Applying Different Hand Hygiene Techniques in Places of Public Concern in Tripoli-Libya

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 364-375
Author(s):  
Mohamed R. Alsagher ◽  
Sally A. Soudah ◽  
Asma E. Khsheba ◽  
Sara M. Fadel ◽  
Masara A. Dadiesh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
Bacterial Counts ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hand Antisepsis ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background:Hand hygiene has being considered as one of the primary measures to improve standards and practice for hospital care and to minimize the transmission of nosocomial pathogens. There is substantial evidence that incidence of hospital acquired infections is reduced by applying hand antisepsis. Regarding hand hygiene and public concern, hand washing has revealed that 85% of the observed adults wash their hands after using public toilets.Objective:To compare the efficacy of hand rubbing with an alcohol based solution versus conventional hand washing with antiseptic and non-antiseptic soaps in reducing bacterial counts using different hand hygiene techniques.Methods:Ninety-three volunteers took part in this study; 57 from Tripoli Medical Center (TMC); 16 from school; 11 from bank; and 9 from office. All volunteers performed six hand hygiene techniques, immediately before and after a volunteer practice activity: hand washing with non-antiseptic soap for 10 and 30 second (s); hand washing with antiseptic soap for 10, 30 or 60 s; and alcohol-based hand rub. A total of 864 specimens were taken: 432 before and 432 after volunteer's hand hygiene. The fingertips of the dominant hand for each volunteer were pressed on to agar for culture before and after each hand hygiene technique. Plates were incubated at 37oC, and colony-forming units were counted after 48 hours and pathogenic bacteria were identified.Results:Results showed that 617 specimens (71.41%) were positive for bacterial growth. 301 (48.78%) were from TMC, 118 (19.12%) were from office; 107 (14.34%) were from school and 91 (14.75%) were from bank.Conclusion:Both antiseptic and non–antiseptic soaps did not work properly in reducing bacterial counts of worker’s hands at all places of study, but significantly improved by an application of alcohol based gel.

scholarly journals Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Self-Reported Hand Washing Behaviors among Restaurant Kitchen Chefs in Jiangsu Province, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2149
Author(s):  
Bin Cui ◽  
Shao Ying Li ◽  
Linda Dong-Ling Wang ◽  
Xiang Chen ◽  
Jun Ke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Restaurant Industry ◽  
Jiangsu Province ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Foodborne Illnesses ◽  
Close Attention ◽  
Chi Square

Inadequate hand washing among chefs is a major contributor to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses originating in restaurants. Although many studies have evaluated hand hygiene knowledge (HHK) and self-reported hand washing behaviors (HWBs) in restaurant workers in different countries, little is known about HHK and HWBs in restaurant kitchen chefs, particularly in China. In this study, we interviewed 453 restaurant kitchen chefs in Jiangsu Province in China regarding their HHK and HWBs and used Chi-square tests (Fisher exact tests), pairwise comparisons, and linear regression models to analyze the responses and identify determinants of HHK and HWBs. Results reveal that less frequent hand washing after leaving work temporarily and after touching used cutlery were the main issues among restaurant kitchen chefs in Jiangsu Province. Kitchen hands had lower levels of HHK and engaged less frequently in good HWBs than the other type of chefs. Furthermore, working in a large restaurant and having worked in the restaurant industry for a longer amount of time were correlated with better HHK and HWBs. These findings suggest that close attention should be paid to the HWBs of chefs during food preparation, that kitchen hands are the key group of restaurant kitchen workers who need training in HHK, and that regulatory activities should focus on small-scale restaurants.

scholarly journals Situations Leading to Reduced Effectiveness of Current Hand Hygiene against Infectious Mucus from Influenza Virus-Infected Patients

mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryohei Hirose ◽  
Takaaki Nakaya ◽  
Yuji Naito ◽  
Tomo Daidoji ◽  
Risa Bandou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Ethanol Concentration ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Hand Rubbing ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Diffusion Convection ◽  
Low Rate

ABSTRACT Both antiseptic hand rubbing (AHR) using ethanol-based disinfectants (EBDs) and antiseptic hand washing (AHW) are important means of infection control to prevent seasonal influenza A virus (IAV) outbreaks. However, previous reports suggest a reduced efficacy of ethanol disinfection against pathogens in mucus. We aimed to elucidate the situations and mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of EBDs against IAV in infectious mucus. We evaluated IAV inactivation and ethanol concentration change using IAV-infected patients’ mucus (sputum). Additionally, AHR and AHW effectiveness against infectious mucus adhering to the hands and fingers was evaluated in 10 volunteers. Our clinical study showed that EBD effectiveness against IAV in mucus was extremely reduced compared to IAV in saline. IAV in mucus remained active despite 120 s of AHR; however, IAV in saline was completely inactivated within 30 s. Due to the low rate of diffusion/convection because of the physical properties of mucus as a hydrogel, the time required for the ethanol concentration to reach an IAV inactivation level and thus for EBDs to completely inactivate IAV was approximately eight times longer in mucus than in saline. On the other hand, AHR inactivated IAV in mucus within 30 s when the mucus dried completely because the hydrogel characteristics were lost. Additionally, AHW rapidly inactivated IAV. Until infectious mucus has completely dried, infectious IAV can remain on the hands and fingers, even after appropriate AHR using EBD, thereby increasing the risk of IAV transmission. We clarified the ineffectiveness of EBD use against IAV in infectious mucus. IMPORTANCE Antiseptic hand rubbing (AHR) and antiseptic hand washing (AHW) are important to prevent the spread of influenza A virus (IAV). This study elucidated the situations/mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of AHR against infectious mucus derived from IAV-infected individuals and indicated the weaknesses of the current hand hygiene regimens. Due to the low rate of diffusion/convection because of the physical properties of mucus as a hydrogel, the efficacy of AHR using ethanol-based disinfectant against mucus is greatly reduced until infectious mucus adhering to the hands/fingers has completely dried. If there is insufficient time before treating the next patient (i.e., if the infectious mucus is not completely dry), medical staff should be aware that effectiveness of AHR is reduced. Since AHW is effective against both dry and nondry infectious mucus, AHW should be adopted to compensate for these weaknesses of AHR.

scholarly journals Has the COVID 19 Virus Changed Adherence to Hand Washing among Healthcare Workers?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Rosalia Ragusa ◽  
Marina Marranzano ◽  
Alessandro Lombardo ◽  
Rosalba Quattrocchi ◽  
Maria Alessandra Bellia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
World Health ◽  
Patient Contact ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Descriptive Data ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Hospital Wards

The aim of the study was to assess adherence to hand washing by healthcare workers (HCWs) and its variations over time in hospital wards. We wanted to check whether the pandemic had changed the behavior of HCWs. The study was conducted between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2020. The HCWs were observed to assess their compliance with the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. We described the percentage of adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines stratified per year, per specialty areas, per different types of HCWs. We also observed the use of gloves. Descriptive data were reported as frequencies and percentages. We observed 13,494 hand hygiene opportunities. The majority of observations concerned nurses who were confirmed as the category most frequently involved with patients. Hospital’s global adherence to WHO guidelines did not change in the last six years. During the pandemic, the rate of adherence to the procedure increased significantly only in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In 2020, the use of gloves increased in pre-patient contact. The hand-washing permanent monitoring confirmed that it is very difficult to obtain the respect of correct hand hygiene in all opportunities, despite the ongoing pandemic and the fear of contagion.

Knowledge and Practice of Health-care Workers regarding Hand Hygiene during Third Wave of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1198-1202
Author(s):  
M.l Fatima ◽  
M. Waqar ◽  
H. Qamar ◽  
M. Akram ◽  
F. Zia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Hygiene Measures

Background: Iatrogenic and nosocomial infections are a serious threat to a healthcare setting especially during a pandemic. Hand hygiene among the health-care workers stands out to be a pivotal preventive measure. Practical application of hand hygiene measures during third wave of COVID-19 pandemic primarily depend upon the current knowledge among the health care workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study design based on validated WHO questionnaire for hand hygiene among the health care workers was conducted during March till May2021 in the settings of Shalamar and Central Park hospital and medical colleges. Results: The sample consisted of 271 participants with 110 males and 161 females, with the mean age of 24.72+ 4.174 years. The sample consisted of 36.2% of medical students, 49.1% of doctors and 14.8% of paramedical staff. Nearly 50.6% of the individuals claim to receive formal training. 47.6% believe that “Health-care workers’ hands when not clean” are the main route of cross-transmission. Nearly 57.2% believed that the hospital environment (surfaces)the most frequent source of germs. Comparison of hand-rubbing and washing revealed that major percentage believe hand rub to be rapid however less effective causing dryness. A majority believe that hand hygiene before touching the patient, immediately after exposure to body fluids or immediate surroundings of patients prevents transmission of germs to the patient and vice versa afterwards prevents transmission to HCW. Conclusion: A large proportion of the sample has considerable knowledge regarding essential hand hygiene in a health care setting. However more frequent training sessions should be conducted to improve it further. Key words: Hand hygiene, Health-care workers, Knowledge

A Comparison of Hand Washing Techniques To Remove Escherichia coli and Caliciviruses under Natural or Artificial Fingernails

2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 2296-2301 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHIA-MIN LIN ◽  
FONE-MAO WU ◽  
HOI-KYUNG KIM ◽  
MICHAEL P. DOYLE ◽  
BARRY S. MICHAELS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Liquid Soap ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Escherichia Coli Jm109 ◽  
Viral Indicators

Compared with other parts of the hand, the area beneath fingernails harbors the most microorganisms and is most difficult to clean. Artificial fingernails, which are usually long and polished, reportedly harbor higher microbial populations than natural nails. Hence, the efficacy of different hand washing methods for removing microbes from natural and artificial fingernails was evaluated. Strains of nonpathogenic Escherichia coli JM109 and feline calicivirus (FCV) strain F9 were used as bacterial and viral indicators, respectively. Volunteers with artificial or natural nails were artificially contaminated with ground beef containing E. coli JM109 or artificial feces containing FCV. Volunteers washed their hands with tap water, regular liquid soap, antibacterial liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel, regular liquid soap followed by alcohol gel, or regular liquid soap plus a nailbrush. The greatest reduction of inoculated microbial populations was obtained by washing with liquid soap plus a nailbrush, and the least reduction was obtained by rubbing hands with alcohol gel. Lower but not significantly different (P > 0.05) reductions of E. coli and FCV counts were obtained from beneath artificial than from natural fingernails. However, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher E. coli and FCV counts were recovered from hands with artificial nails than from natural nails before and after hand washing. In addition, microbial cell numbers were correlated with fingernail length, with greater numbers beneath fingernails with longer nails. These results indicate that best practices for fingernail sanitation of food handlers are to maintain short fingernails and scrub fingernails with soap and a nailbrush when washing hands.

Addressing Hand Hygiene Compliance in a Low-Resource Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a Quality Improvement Project

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 408-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arunava Biswas ◽  
Sangeeta Das Bhattacharya ◽  
Arun Kumarendu Singh ◽  
Mallika Saha
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Hygiene Compliance

Abstract Objective Our goal for this study was to quantify healthcare provider compliance with hand hygiene protocols and develop a conceptual framework for increasing hand hygiene compliance in a low-resource neonatal intensive care unit. Materials and Methods We developed a 3-phase intervention that involved departmental discussion, audit, and follow-up action. A 4-month unobtrusive audit during night and day shifts was performed. The audit results were presented, and a conceptual framework of barriers to and solutions for increasing hand hygiene compliance was developed collectively. Results A total of 1308 hand hygiene opportunities were observed. Among 1227 planned patient contacts, hand-washing events (707 [58.6%]), hand rub events (442 [36%]), and missed hand hygiene (78 [6.4%]) events were observed. The missed hand hygiene rate was 20% during resuscitation. Missed hand hygiene opportunities occurred 3.2 times (95% confidence interval, 1.9–5.3 times) more often during resuscitation procedures than during planned contact and 6.14 times (95% confidence interval, 2.36–16.01 times) more often when providers moved between patients. Structural and process determinants of hand hygiene noncompliance were identified through a root-cause analysis in which all members of the neonatal intensive care unit team participated. The mean hand-washing duration was 40 seconds. In 83% of cases, drying hands after washing was neglected. Hand recontamination after hand-washing was seen in 77% of the cases. Washing up to elbow level was observed in 27% of hand-wash events. After departmental review of the study results, hand rubs were placed at each bassinet to address these missed opportunities. Conclusions Hand hygiene was suboptimal during resuscitation procedures and between patient contacts. We developed a conceptual framework for improving hand hygiene through a root-cause analysis.

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