Hand Washing as a Preventive Measure to Covid-19 By Communities in Kadoma City, Zimbabwe
Abstract:
Hand washing with soap and water, as well as the use of disinfectant, was confirmed as an effective intervention to prevent the transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 continues despite the evidence that hand washing contributes to the reduction of transmission. Compliance with handwashing varies globally and remains a challenge in several countries, including Zimbabwe. A case-control study design was used to investigate compliance with hand washing as a COVID-19 preventive measure. We recruited 402 respondents for the study. Of these, 206 case respondents were selected using random numbers generated by Excel 2017, which were then matched to the line listing. The remaining 186 controls were selected based on proximity to confirmed cases. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data. Analysis was done using Epi-Info 7 software. Eighty-six per cent (86%) of the total respondents indicated that they washed their hands using soap and water for the recommended 20 seconds. Only 41% (164) of the respondents washed their hands after touching their faces, and 49% washed their hands after touching surfaces. The bigger proportion of respondents, 94% and 90%, could easily get water and soap for hand washing, respectively. We conclude that compliance with handwashing was low, less than 50% amongst the communities of Kadoma after touching the faces and/or surfaces contrary to WHO recommendations, though over 90% had access to water and soap. This could be attributed to non-commitment, poor attitude and practices by the respondents.
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