Prevalence of Bacterial Hands Contamination among Al-Razi University Students in Sana'a City, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Harmful microorganisms can be transferred to hands from contaminated surfaces people come into contact in daily life. Contaminated hands can transmit the disease to oneself as well as to others. Aim: to determine the prevalence of bacterial hands contamination among Al-Razi University students in Sana'a City, Yemen. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Al-Razi University. Swabs were taken from a randomly selected sample of 162 students for the bacterial count from both hands. The structured questionnaire was administered as face to face interview. Data were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS. Results: 64.2% of the students were males while 35.8% females. The mean age was 23.9±1.67 years. Regarding hands hygiene practices, (50.6%) of students used soap and water after toilet (6.2%) used soap and water after touched contaminated articles and (22.8%) were washed their hands by soap and water after a meal. The prevalence of bacterial hands contaminated among students showed that 60.5% was Staphylococcus aureus 6.8% Staphylococcus epidermis and 32.7% no bacterial growth. A statistically significant difference was found, by sex, marital status, college (p< 0.001) and by departments (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the prevalence of bacterial hands contamination by hands hygiene before the hands swab was taken (p<0.01) and by finger nails status (p<0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that, staphylococcus bacteria was the most prevalent bacteria among students. Hands washing technique must be encourage and the hands washing procedure becomes habitual among students.