Hand Washing Practices among Health Care Workers in Jugal Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia, 2020: In the Era of Corona Virus: Observational Study

Introduction: the current burden of the spreading coronavirus (Covid-19) implied an action to review our basic strategies in hand hygiene practice. This calls for effective infection control measures in health care settings, in particular hand hygiene. Hence, hand hygiene practice will continue to be a concern and are essential to explore to bridge the theory practice gap. Methodology: Cross sectional observational study was conducted from February to March 2020 at Jugal hospital, Harar, Ethiopia, which is found 525 km to East of Addis Ababa. Ethical clearance was obtained from Harar Health Science College institutional review board (IRB) (Ref.no.HHSC-27/2020). Consent was obtained from both administrative body and respondent. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Result: Majority 99 (59.64%) said that they use Soap bar followed by 57(34.34%) only water and 10(6.02%) alcohol base sanitizer, whereas there is no any one answered Chlorhexidine solution and Liquid hand wash use for hand washing. Only 7 (4.22%) washed their hands when switching from one patient to the second patient. Only twenty seven (16.27%) followed correct sequence in hand washing. Shared ward towels drying was the preferred method of hand drying after washing which was seen in 111 (66.87%) of the participants. Lack of water and soap were the major constraints against washing hands which was seen among 122 (73.49%) Conclusion: Very poor practice with Hand washing practices among studied Health Care Workers is calling for urgent intervention. Implementing five movements of hand hygiene are the best method for preventing healthcare associated infections. Therefore, the health care provider should be followed this principle to fight healthcare associated infections.