Hand-hygiene beliefs and practices of students in health-related departments of a university in Mogadishu, Somalia

Seyma Zehra Altunkürek; Tulay Basak; Ayla Demirtas; Samira Hassan Mohamed; Nasra Ali Jama

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261396

Authors

Seyma Zehra Altunkürek Department of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye
Tulay Basak Department of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5148-5034
Ayla Demirtas Department of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7952-770X
Samira Hassan Mohamed Somalia Mogadishu Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Mogadishu, Somalia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5834-3733
Nasra Ali Jama Somalia Mogadishu Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Mogadishu, Somalia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261396

Keywords:

Beliefs, Mogadishu, Somalia, Hand hygiene, University students

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hand hygiene beliefs and practices of university students studying in health-related departments in Mogadishu, Somalia. Evidence on hand washing knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare students in low- and middle-income countries is limited.

Methods: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hand hygiene beliefs and practices of university students studying in health-related departments in Mogadishu, Somalia. Evidence on hand washing knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare students in low- and middle-income countries is limited.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.31±1.85 years and the majority were female (76.6%). The mean Hand Hygiene Beliefs Inventory (HHBI) score was 55.90±11.48, while the mean hand hygiene practices inventory (HHPI) score was 80.16±15.23. A moderate, statistically significant positive correlation was found between HHBI and HHPI scores (r=0.514, p<0.01). Students who reported adherence to hand hygiene practices had significantly higher belief and practice scores compared to those who did not (p<0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that hand hygiene beliefs were a significant predictor of hand hygiene practices.

Conclusions: Although students demonstrated moderate levels of hand hygiene beliefs and practices, gaps remain that may compromise infection prevention efforts. As hand hygiene belief levels increased, practice levels also improved. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and multimodal strategies to strengthen hand hygiene beliefs and practices among healthcare-related university students, particularly in resource-limited settings.

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