Evaluation of a program to improve hand hygiene in Kenyan hospitals through production and promotion of alcohol-based Handrub – 2012-2014 | Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control | Full Text

Evaluation of a program to improve hand hygiene in Kenyan hospitals through production and promotion of alcohol-based Handrub – 2012-2014 | Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control | Full Text



Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control

Evaluation of a program to improve hand hygiene in Kenyan hospitals through production and promotion of alcohol-based Handrub – 2012-2014

• Linus NdegwaEmail authorView ORCID ID profile,
• Kelly M. Hatfield,
• Ronda Sinkowitz-Cochran,
• Emily D’Iorio,
• Neil Gupta,
• James Kimotho,
• Tiffanee Woodard,
• Sandra S. Chaves and
• Katherine Ellingson

Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control20198:2

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-018-0450-x

©  The Author(s). 2019

• Received: 21 August 2018
• Accepted: 11 December 2018
• Published: 3 January 2019

Abstract

Although critical to prevent healthcare-associated infections, hand hygiene (HH) compliance is poor in resource-limited settings. In 2012, three Kenyan hospitals began onsite production of alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) and HH promotion. Our aim is to determine the impact of local production of ABHR on HH compliance and perceptions of ABHR.

We observed 25,738 HH compliance opportunities and conducted 15 baseline and post-intervention focus group discussions. Hand Hygiene compliance increased from 28% (baseline) to 38% (post-intervention, p = 0.0003). Healthcare workers liked the increased accessibility of ABHR, but disliked its smell, feel, and sporadic availability. Onsite production and promotion of ABHR resulted in modest HH improvement. Enhancing the quality of ABHR and addressing logistical barriers could improve program impact.

Keywords

• Hand hygiene, Alcohol-based handrub, Compliance