Hand hygiene and influenza prevention: Knowledge of health students

Abstract

Objective: to describe and analyze the knowledge of health students regarding hand hygiene and the prevention and transmission of the influenza virus. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with students from two campuses of health training of the Institute Federal de (brazil) Goiás, conducted in January and February 2017. Scores were evaluated for the level of knowledge regarding hand hygiene (component 1) and the prevention and transmission of the influenza virus (component 2) and both components (global component). Results: 262 students participated in the study. A higher percentage of errors was found in the questions involving transmission of the influenza virus, sharing of personal use objects and keeping environments ventilated. The study also revealed shortcomings in the knowledge regarding hand hygiene, moments recommended for its performance and some aspects of the technique. The mean knowledge scores were 83.9% (95% CI: 82.6-85.2), 86.2% (95% CI: 84.4-87.9) and 82.8% (CI 95 %: 81.3-84.2) for component 1, component 2 and the global component, respectively. Conclusion: the study identified gaps in the knowledge of the students regarding hand hygiene and the prevention and transmission of the influenza virus, indicating the importance of the inclusion of this content in the teaching and training practice of future health professionals.