A Dissertation Submitted to the School of Public Administration and Management in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Master of Health Systems Management of Mzumbe University
Hygienic hand washing is regarded among other interventions, as one of the most effective hygiene promotions for public health in developing countries. The objectives of this research were to assess the factors influencing the art and habit of hygienic hand washing among food and beverages sales points in Kilosa and Mvomero Districts. The researcher used cross sectional community based study design which helped to determine the knowledge, prevalence and challenges to the art and habit of hygienic hand washing. Documentary review, observation, in as well as administrations of questionnaires were the appropriate methods used by the researcher to obtain data. Concerning knowledge on hygienic hand washing the findings showed mixed results. Out of 100% (80) who were involved in this study, only 47.5% (38) did know about hygienic hand washing, 40% (32) did not know the meaning of hygienic hand washing, whereas 12.5% (10) were completely not aware of whether hand washing is artistic and hygienic. The findings further showed high prevalence of non-hygienic hand washing among maids and customers of food and beverages sales points. For example, out of 100% (80), only 22.5% (18) reported to wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet, 51.25% (41) do not wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet and 26.25% (21) wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet only occasionally. Only 27.5% (22) wash their hands with water and soap before meals, 46.25% (37) do not wash their hands with water and soap before meals and 26.25% (21) wash them occasionally with water and soap before meals. 85% (68) wash their hands with water and soap after meals, 3.75% (3) do not wash their hands with water and soap after meals while 11.25% (9) wash them occasionally with water and soap after meals. Factors associated with noncompliance with hygienic hand washing have been clearly identified as lack/inadequate hand hygiene kits, unrealistic optimism; ignorance; cultural influence etc. The study identified the adherence to hygienic hand washing habits is extremely low among maids and customers in food and beverages sales points in Kilosa and Mvomero districts. Hand washing with clean water and soap before meals was much lower than after meals.