P-44 Knowledge, perception, and behavior of hand hygiene among clinical year medical students at Greenheart Medical University (GMU) and Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology (RGUST) in G

Methods:  The research employs a cross-sectional design, focusing on clinical medical students at Greenheart Medical University and Rajiv Gandhi University. It utilizes a convenience sample encompassing all clinical-year students, prioritizing their consent and ensuring anonymity. The study was conducted online via links being sent through WhatsApp or email. Two validated questionnaires, adapted from previous studies, assess attitudes and practices of hand hygiene, while a WHO-developed questionnaire gauges knowledge. This approach aims to comprehensively understand hand hygiene perspectives among medical students, contributing valuable insights to the broader field.

Results:  A total of 50 students (n=50/52) participated in the questionnaire with a response rate of 96.2%. Overall, the level of knowledge was found to be moderate while attitude and practices of hand hygiene among clinical year medical students at GMU and RGUST were found to be good.

Conclusion:  Clinical-year medical students at Greenheart Medical University and Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology in Guyana display moderate knowledge of hand hygiene, but gaps exist in understanding germ transmission and common sources of healthcare-associated infections. Positive attitudes towards hand hygiene coexist with challenges like time constraints. Although hand hygiene practices generally align with guidelines, occasional non-adherence occurs. To improve, recommendations include strengthening formal training, continuous education, promoting role modeling, implementing monitoring mechanisms, and addressing attitudinal barriers. These measures aim to ensure future healthcare professionals prioritize hand hygiene, reducing healthcare-associated infections and enhancing patient safety.