Document Type : original article

Authors

1 Department of pediatrics, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 infection control & hand hygiene research center,Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Department of pediatrics, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Students research committee, faculty of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Students research committee, faculty of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

6 Clinical Research Development Unit of Akbar Hospital

7 Clinical Research Development Unit of Akbar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/ijp.2024.81187.5466

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a major risk to health care workers (HCWs), which necessitates protection for them. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene (HH) could prevent COVID-19 infections in healthcare facilities. Our study aimed to determine the proper use level of PPE among HCWs of Mashhad educational hospitals as well as their level of HH status.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st, 2021 to January 1st, 2022 in three educational hospitals in Mashhad. A standard checklist was arranged based on the WHO guidelines and was filled out by the supervisors. Data were analysed using SPSS v23.0.

Results: The total HCWs included in this study were 246, including 154 women. The majority of the participants were nurses 135 (54.9%) by occupation. The most common PPE was the N95 mask (71.1%). One hundred and eighty-four people (46.3%) washed their hands through the standard method, and there was no significant difference between men and women. Also, the level of correct PPEs donning and doffing was 42.2% and 28.4%; respectively. PPE donning was not significantly different between men and women. however, we found a significant difference in doffing PPE.

Conclusion: It became evident to us that HCWs paid moderate attention to PPE and HH, demanding HCWs training to prevent infectious diseases such as the COVID-19.

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