Comparison of Hand Hygiene Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Oral Health Technician Students of a University

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Eken Ş., Aydın E., Yeniyapı A., Terzioğlu B., Perçin Renders D.

Medical records-international medical journal (Online), sa.1, ss.1-10, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Aim: This study aimed to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral health technician (OHT) students at the Tavşanlı Vocational School of Health Services, Kütahya Health Sciences University regarding hand hygiene.

Material and Method: This cross-sectional study comprised first- and second-year students enrolled in the OHT program. The sample comprised 69 participants, including 53 female and 16 male students. In this study, participants' demographic characteristics, hand hygiene knowledge, and attitudes were recorded using a hand hygiene knowledge and attitudes questionnaire between May 2024 and June 2024. Participants' hand hygiene practices were also assessed using a questionnaire that included visual reminders of the World Health Organization (WHO) hand hygiene technique implementation strategy with soap and water.

Results: The mean scores for hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8.6 ± 1.6, 6.8 ± 1.5, and 10.4 ± 1.8, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.312, p = 0.009); however, no significant association was found between either variable and practice scores. Regression analysis demonstrated that hand hygiene training was independent predictor for both knowledge (β = 1.09) and practice (β = 2.16) scores (p<0.05). Living in student dormitories was associated with lower practice scores (β = -1.83), whereas vocational high school graduation was associated with higher scores (β = 1.36). Moreover, the use of both soap and alcohol-based disinfectants was significantly associated with higher knowledge and attitude levels (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Hand hygiene knowledge correlates with attitudes but not with practical behavior. Hand hygiene training and early professional socialization emerged as the most predictive factors for improving practice, while environmental constraints in shared living spaces were associated with limiting the development of hygiene habits. To enhance compliance, OHT education should prioritize hands-on clinical training aligned with WHO recommendations and improved access to hygiene facilities, rather than purely theoretical instruction.

Keywords: Compliance, hand hygiene, dental health professionals, knowledge, oral health technician, practices