Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards hand hygiene
among Kampala International University Medical Students at Fort Portal Regional Referral
Hospital. The study involved 171 students who agreed to participate. The data was
collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that 76.1%
of respondents were aware that unclean hands of healthcare workers are the primary route
of cross-transmission of potentially harmful germs between patients and healthcare
workers. 58.2% of respondents correctly stated that the minimum time needed for alcoholbased
hand rub to kill most germs on hands is 20 seconds. 88.1% correctly identified that
wearing jewelry is associated with the colonization of harmful germs, and 65.6% correctly
recognized that artificial nails are associated with the colonization of harmful germs.
Attitudes towards hand hygiene were high, with 38.9% strongly agreeing to review WHO and
CDC guidelines before starting clinical training. The majority of respondents (93.9%)
strongly agreed that medical students should practice effective hand hygiene in line with
their career. However, 47.8% disagreed with the statement that they felt confident enough
to remind their colleagues to wash their hands, and 36.3% felt disappointed by their
supervisors if hand hygiene was omitted