KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND USE OF HANDKERCHIEF AS A FOMITE AMONG PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

Abstract

Evidence has shown that handkerchief which is an example of a fomite can serve as an incubator for pathogens and also serve as a vehicle for the transmission of infectious diseases if not handled properly. Despite the dangers associated with improper use of handkerchief, very few studies exist on the topic. This study, therefore, examined the knowledge, perception and use of handkerchief as a fomite among Public Health students in the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 Public Health students in University of Ibadan using a two-stage sampling technique involving proportionate and simple random techniques. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument included 18-point knowledge (scores of 0-12 and ˃12 were classified as poor and good knowledge of use of handkerchief, respectively), 20-point perception (scores of 0-17 and ˃17 were categorised as poor and good perception of handkerchief as a fomite, respectively) and 12-point perceived health importance (scores of 0-10 and ˃10 were categorised as poor and good perceived health importance, respectively). Data were analysed using descriptive and Chi-square test at p=0.05 level of significance. Respondents’ age was 27.5±4.3 years and majority (62.3%) were females. Majority (85.9%) of the respondents used handkerchief and 62.3% had their handkerchiefs with them at the time of data collection. Respondents with poor and good knowledge of use of handkerchief were 51.3% and 48.7%, respectively. Majority (85.6%) of the respondents agreed that the standard colour for handkerchief should be white. Majority (80.0%) reported that handkerchiefs should be washed separately from other fabrics in order to prevent contamination. Respondents with poor and good perception of handkerchiefs as a fomite were 36.4% and 63.6%, respectively. Majority (92.6%) agreed that handkerchief could serve as a tool for the spread of infectious organisms and 70.5% agreed that once a handkerchief is contaminated there could be transfer of pathogenic organisms. Also, majority (92.3%) agreed that a handkerchief gets contaminated with infectious diseases when in contact with body fluid. Respondents with poor and good perception of health importance were 59.2% and 40.8%, respectively. Majority (80.0%) agreed that handkerchiefs have some health uses including prevention of spread of diseases like flu. There was a significant

association between sex and knowledge of use of handkerchief and between sex and perception of handkerchief as a fomite in the direction of the females. Knowledge of use of handkerchief of the students was poor while perceptions of handkerchief as a fomite and health importance of handkerchief were high. Health education strategy such as awareness creation and enlightenment campaign on the proper use of handkerchief among students of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan are advocated.