Impediments to Compliance with Hand Hygiene among Medical and Dental Students in Medical and Dental College

Introduction: Hand hygiene is the first line of defense and a cost-effective method for reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and antibiotic resistance. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have adequate knowledge regarding hand hygiene. Ensuring proper education of trainees is required as they are the healthcare providers of the future. Aim: To assess the impediments that both medical and dental trainees face in performing effective hand hygiene. Materials and Methods: The study questionnaire based on WHO’s concepts of "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" and “Six Steps of Hand Hygiene” was sent to 225 participants from 2nd & 3rd MBBS and BDS courses. Associations between variables of interest were tested using the chi-square (χ2) test. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17. The p-value