Assessment of Mask-Wearing and Hand Hygiene Practices among Healthcare Workers: A Study in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Vilas T, Dr. Omprakash T L, Maj (dr.) Abhijit Y V

Abstract: Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on 11thMarch 2020[1]. Health Cere Workers (HCWs) are at high risk of infection at work place [2]. Infection control measures including face mask and hand hygiene can significantly reduce the infection among HCWs [3]. Methodology: All the health care workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital were interviewed regarding the mask wearing and hand hygiene practices. Results: A total of 310 HCWs were included where in majority of them were Nurses (40%) followed by Doctors (36%). Majority (94.1%) of them used mask out of which 70% of them wore N95 mask and as many as 8% of them used cloth mask. The reuse rate of mask was 77% technicians followed by staff nurse (61%). Majority of the staff nurses (94%) of them adjusted their masks at work followed by doctors (88%). Majority of the HCWs (91%) practiced hand hygiene and around 42% of them felt that their hand hygiene practice was compromised during emergencies.

Keywords: Infection control Practice, Health Care Personnel, COVID 19

How to Cite?: Dr. Vilas T, Dr. Omprakash T L, Maj (dr.) Abhijit Y V, "Assessment of Mask-Wearing and Hand Hygiene Practices among Healthcare Workers: A Study in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic", Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1706-1709, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR23817123424, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR23817123424