Hand Hygiene Practice and Face Mask Use among Eye Health Workers at the Guinness Eye Centre Onitsha, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) constitute a significant risk to patients and hospital staff including eye health workers. These are major causes of morbidities and mortalities. Eye health workers are at risk of exposure to infections including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objectives: To assess hand hygiene practice and face mask use among health workers of Guinness Eye Center, Onitsha, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Hand hygiene practice and face mask use of eye health workers were assessed using the WHO hand hygiene observation form. Trained observers recorded the workers' hand hygiene practice before touching the patient, aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure, and after touching the patient and the patient's surroundings. Face mask use was also recorded. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistics with alpha level of 0.05. Results: Sixty-nine workers were studied. A total of 492 worker-patient interactions were documented. Overall hand hygiene practice compliance was 46.4%. It was highest after touching patients 288 (60.3%), followed by after touching patients' surroundings 253 (53.9%). Doctors had the highest hand hygiene compliance before and after touching patients: 193 (69.2%) and 202 (72.9%) respectively (p=0.001). Facemask has correctly worn in 418 (85.0%) observations. Doctors wore face masks properly more than other workers (X2= 18.34, p<0.001). Conclusions: Correct face mask use was fairly high but overall hand hygiene compliance was suboptimal among the eye health workers. Continuing education is recommended to improve hand hygiene and face mask use among eye care workers.