Table 2.
HH knowledge of the study participants. Data presented in “n (%)”
| Knowledge statements (correct responses) | Nurses | Nursing Assistants | Residents | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Which of the following is the main route of the transmission of potentially harmful germs between the patients? (Healthcare workers hands when not clean) | 73 (79.3) | 26 (70.3) | 26 (81.2) | |
| What is the most frequent source of germs responsible for healthcare associated infections? (Germs already present on or within the patient) | 41 (44.6) | 14 (37.8) | 11 (34.4) | |
| Hand hygiene actions that prevent the transmission of germs to the patient? | 17 (18.5) | 6 (16.2) | 7 (21.9) | |
| Which of the HH actions prevents the transmission of germs to the healthcare worker? (After touching a patient, after a risk of body fluid exposure, After exposure to the immediate surroundings of a patient) | 28 (30.4) | 8 (21.6) | 14 (43.8) | |
| Which of the following statements on alcohol-based hand rub and hand washing with soap and water are true? | Hand rubbing is more rapid for hand cleansing than hand washing (true) | 83 (90.2) | 31 (83.8) | 26 (81.2) |
| Hand rubbing causes skin dryness more than hand washing (false) | 45 (48.9) | 13 (35.1) | 19 (59.4) | |
| Hand rubbing is more effective against germs than hand washing (false) | 53 (57.6) | 20 (54.1) | 13 (40.6) | |
| Hand washing and hand rubbing are recommended to be performed in sequence (false) | 26 (28.3) | 18 (48.6) | 11 (34.4) | |
| What is the minimal time needed for alcohol-based hand rub to kill most germs on your hands? (20 s) | 61 (66.3) | 26 (70.3) | 20 (62.5) | |
| Which type of HH method is required in the following situations? | Before palpation of the abdomen (rubbing) | 52 (56.5) | 21 (56.8) | 19 (59.4) |
| Before giving an injection (rubbing) | 43 (46.7) | 19 (51.4) | 17 (53.1) | |
| After emptying a bed pan (washing) | 77 (83.7) | 27 (73) | 17 (53.1) | |
| After removing the examination gloves (rubbing/washing) | 89 (96.7)* | 37 (100)* | 29 (90.6)* | |
| Making the patients bed (rubbing) | 40 (43.5)* | 9 (24.3) * | 18 (56.2)* | |
| After visible exposure to blood (washing) | 72 (78.3)* | 33 (89.2)* | 14 (43.8)* | |
| Which of the following should be avoided, as associated with increased likelihood of colonization of hands with harmful germs? | Wearing jewelry (yes) | 84 (91.3) | 29 (78.4) | 28 (87.5) |
| Damaged skin (yes) | 85 (92.4) | 33 (89.2) | 31 (96.9) | |
| Artificial fingernails (yes) | 87 (94.6)* | 30 (81.1)* | 28 (87.5)* | |
| Regular use of the hand cream (no) | 46 (50) | 24 (64.9) | 16 (50) | |