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Questions and Answers
What is the percentage of people who do not wash their hands properly according to a 2020-2021 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture?
95 percent
How many steps does the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend for proper handwashing?
9
What is the purpose of interlacing fingers and rubbing palms over one another in the WHO's 9-step handwashing procedure?
To ensure thorough cleaning of the hands
In what situations is washing hands with soap and water a better option than using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
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What is the recommended method for drying hands after washing, according to the WHO's 9-step procedure?
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What is the primary goal of hand washing as a public health practice?
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What is a common consequence of frequent hand washing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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What is the primary goal of hand washing in the context of public health?
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What is the role of hand washing in preventing diarrheal diseases?
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What is a crucial aspect of maintaining good hand hygiene?
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What is the primary benefit of hand washing in preventing foodborne illnesses?
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What is the challenge in promoting hand washing as a public health practice?
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Study Notes
Hand Washing: A Crucial Public Health Practice
Hand washing is a simple, yet crucial public health practice that helps prevent the spread of infections and diseases. Despite its importance, a 2020-2021 study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that 95 percent of people do not wash their hands properly. This underscores the need to understand the proper handwashing procedure and its benefits.
The WHO's 9-Step Procedure
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 9-step procedure for proper handwashing:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm if available).
- Apply soap.
- Rub your palms together.
- Rub your hands over each other.
- Interlace your fingers and rub your palms over one another.
- Scrub your thumbs and the back of your hands.
- Rub your fingertips against your palms.
- Rinse your hands with clean, running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
Washing Hands vs. Using Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two methods for hand hygiene: washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers are preferred in most clinical situations, but washing hands is a better option when hands are visibly soiled, before eating, after caring for a patient with an acute diarrheal illness, or after touching surfaces or equipment used in the care of a patient with an acute diarrheal illness.
Preventing Hand Dermatitis
Frequent hand washing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause hand dermatitis. Management tips for this condition include applying hand cream, avoiding chemicals that irritate the skin, and wearing gloves when possible.
Hand Washing and Public Health
Hand washing is an effective intervention in the control of diarrhoeal diseases, and is included in the UNICEF/WHO 2009 seven-point plan for comprehensive control of diarrhoea. However, hand-washing promotion requires infrastructural, cultural, and behavioral changes, and its effectiveness in preventing such diseases is still a subject of research and debate.
The Importance of Hand Washing
Hand washing helps decontaminate the hands and prevent cross-transmission of diarrhoeal-causing pathogens. It is a simple, yet powerful tool in the prevention of foodborne illnesses, especially those caused by faecal bacteria from unwashed hands.
In conclusion, hand washing is a critical public health practice that can prevent the spread of infections and diseases. Proper handwashing technique, the use of hand sanitizers when appropriate, and management of hand dermatitis are all crucial aspects of maintaining good hand hygiene.
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Description
Test your knowledge of hand washing, a crucial public health practice that helps prevent the spread of infections and diseases. Learn about the WHO's 9-step procedure, the importance of hand washing, and its role in preventing diarrhoeal diseases and foodborne illnesses.
