Determining of Microbial Contamination and its Related Factors in Hands of ICU Staff in the Hospitals of Kermanshah (2002)

Introduction: Nosocomial infections affect nearly 10% of hospitalized patients. The majority of nosocomial infections are transmitted by contact, primarily by hands of health care workers. The micro-organisms on the hand can be divided into transient, resident and infectious flora. Transient flora is the main cause of nosocomial infection which acquired primarily by contact and loosely attached to the skin and are easily washed out. This study was done to determine the contamination rate of ICU staff, especially by flora, and its related factors as a first step in controlling and decreasing nosocomial infection in hospitals of Kermanshah.

Materials & Methods: In this analytic cross sectional study ,based on census method, ICU staff’s hands were sampled in three times during working shifts .In 39 cases, 117 samples were taken and isolated micro-organisms were identified by differential media and divided into transient ,infectious and resident flora.

Results: 88.3% of cultured samples showed contamination with transient flora .In the late part of work shift, staff with less than 5 years  employment  meaningfully showed more contamination (p=0.001). Nurses’ contamination in the first part of work shift was also statistically significant (p=0.036).

Conclusion: Microbial contamination of hands disclosed improper hand hygiene. Hand washing is the single most important, simplest and the least expensive way for preventing infection’s spreading. Nevertheless in most health care institutions like these, recommended hand washing practices remain low. The reasons include lack of scientific knowledge, unsuitable or lack of hand hygiene facilities, or overcrowding,  unfavorable soap, staff’s lack of interest , tiredness, and … So, appropriate training and preparing suitable facilities like hand hygiene facilities, are recommended.