Online Hand Hygiene Survey

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Table of Contents

Research methodology: Data collection methods
Prevalence in research methods
Result Outcomes
Reasons for targeting the population
How I researched the target population
Final data found
References

Research methodology: Data collection methods

Several methods are used to collect data during empirical research. Regardless of the method used, suitability is of great importance. During the survey, two major strategies were used as research tools. Hence, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied to obtain coherent and accurate data (Biddle, 2009). For instance, qualitative data was obtained through participant observation. Additionally, online structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents which acted as sources of quantitative information during the survey. Moreover, information was derived from both primary and secondary data sources (Biddle, 2009). In this case, the main primary sources of information for the survey were observing respondents’ behavior and filling in questionnaires that were distributed to them. In line with this, the use of online surveys acted as a secondary source of information for the research.

Prevalence in research methods

The reason why the aforementioned research methods were preferred was that they would enable one to obtain statistically viable and reliable data (Kumar, 2005). They are the most common methods of research especially when there is need for a detailed description of phenomenon or event (Kumar, 2005). For instance, through the quantitative method, it is evident that a large number of target populations were reached. Moreover, quantitative method was perceived to be very cost-effective for the research. It was also identified that, use of online surveys was best suitable to collect quantitative data since this would save time (Kumar, 2005). In line with this, there was a need to reinforce this method with qualitative methods since the former gives figurative data only (Biddle, 2009). In this case, the research was in one way inclined to analytical information through the observation of the target group. It is imperative to note that qualitative methods allow in-depth interaction between a researcher and focus group. It is definite that each research strategy has its pros and cons and therefore, there was need to incorporate both in the activity. In the meantime, this would reduce the chances of obtaining subjective and biased information from the research. Through the application of these methods, one is able to generate a deeper understanding of the behavior, perceptions and challenges of the target group concerning the issue at hand. Needless to say, as a researcher I realized that during the initial phase of the research there was no need for a strict plan. In this case, qualitative methods would allow the survey to unfold naturally by the use of visual evidence. This implies that, there will be room to study and understand the focus groups’ attitudes toward hand hygiene and the effects it has on individuals. As an example, I would be required to find out whether the target group understands the importance of hand hygiene. Nonetheless, as the study unfolds there is a need to be more objective about the information provided by the focus group and thus statistics are more suitable in testing the hypothesis. For instance, this would help in identifying the ratio of men and women who practice hand hygiene according to the study.

Result Outcomes

During the research, the target groups for the study were categorized into two namely in terms of gender where both males and females were studied independently. In this case, I targeted and studied college students who were of different fields of study. Participants were students from science majors and non-science subjects. Approximately, 100 students were chosen at random during the study activity. The sample was divided into equal halves of males and females.Moreover the studied groups were from two distinct fields of study such as science and non-science. The sample was involved and therefore, examined in terms of perception, practices and barriers to hand washing.

Reasons for targeting the population

College students are strategically situated in a common environment and hence, it is quite easy to obtain a study group at an instance than in other institutions. Moreover, the population was found to be more suitable in providing reliable information since they are confident as opposed to other groups such as those in primary or secondary institutions (Biddle, 2009). It is also imperative to note that the diversity in gender would provide a comparative data about the practice and perception of hand hygiene in men and women. College students and especially those who take sciences are better to examine to see to what extent they apply the knowledge learned in class into actions.

How I researched the target population

The research was accomplished through observation. In this case, I examined the focus group on their practice of hand hygiene. I intended to find out how often the target population washes their hands. Moreover, I also observed the group to identify the possible barriers to practicing hands hygiene. In addition to this, online questionnaires/surveys were used. These questionnaires were distributed to target group at random and answers were submitted for analysis. There were several structured questions in which the target groups were supposed to answer. The following were some of the questions asked:

What is your gender?
Are you pursuing a science or non-science course?
Are you an undergraduate or a graduate?
Do you live in a dormitory, fraternity or student housing?
How often do you wash your hand using a public restroom
In a public restroom, what is the typical duration of your hand wash?
(How often do you use soap during a hand wash in public restrooms
How often do you use warm/hot water if available?
How often do you use paper to dry hands if available?
On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most intense, how would you describe the intensity of your scrub during hand wash in a public restroom?
On a scale of 1-5, 5 being the most amount used how could you describe the amount of soap you use.
Do you notice when others don’t wash their hands?
How often do you encounter people that do not wash their hands?
Which of the following do you think is the main reason why some people do not wash their hands after using a public restroom?
Do you wash hands in the same manners when using public restrooms compared to the one at your home?
Do you know that proper hand-washing is defined as using warm water and soap to scrub each hand with moderate effort for at least 10 seconds (20 seconds total for both hands) before rinsing and drying off hands completely?

Final data found

From the research outcomes, girls were found to be keener in practicing hands hygiene compared to boys. Significantly, 80% of female students were found to often visit their bathrooms to wash hands while only 60% of men practiced hygiene. Moreover, all students pursuing science majors were identified to practice more hand hygiene in contrast to the non-science majors. In this case, this attributed to 25% against 0% of the non-science students. Imperatively, this implies that there is a link between general knowledge and applied knowledge among science majors as opposed to the non-science majors. From the ultimate information obtained, it was suggested that general information learned from science disciplines influenced the group behavior and perception toward hygiene. More suggestively, such knowledge is about the immune system, bacteria and pathogens thus offering the students with control knowledge within the environment. Therefore, it was discovered that approximately 8% of the student population in the college forget to practice hand hygiene while 22% often find themselves in a hurry and thus fail to practice it. Meanwhile, from the online survey analysis, it’s evident that 45% of the students within the college fail to wash their hands out of ignorance while 17% lack the habit to wash their hands. From the analysis, it is definite that 75% of the target group understands the implication and procedures of well-defined hand hygiene. From the drop-down list, it is genuine that 75% of the respondents always use paper towels to wipe their hands. Similarly, an equivalence of the same percentage understands the importance of using warm water and soap when washing hands. Nevertheless, the survey did not help one to establish whether knowledge derived from classrooms was applied in compliance to better practice of hand hygiene.

To recap it all, good hand hygiene is inclusive of several components such as soap, clean warm water and antiseptic agents that will kill bacteria and other infections contracted through hands. Additionally, the amount of time spent when washing hands is a major determinant factor and vital in decimating pathogens obtained from the immediate environment into the body.

References

Biddle, C. (2009). Semmelweis Revisited: Hand Hygiene and Nosocomial Disease Transmission in the Anesthesia Workstation. AANA Journal, 77(3), 229-237.

Kumar, R. (2005). Research Methodology-A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. London: Sage Publications.

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