Rosli, Nur Amirah Fitri (2021) The Effectiveness of Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer in Reducing Bacteria on Hands: A Systematic Review. [Project Paper] (Submitted)
![[img]](http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
FPSK2 2021 15.pdf Download (1MB) |
Abstract
Hand can harbour bacteria which can be potentially removed by routine hand hygiene. A proper and good compliance of hand hygiene can reduce the rate of bacterial infection. Hand hygiene include traditional handwashing using plain or antibacterial soaps and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS). The increase usage of ABHS has been seen nowadays, thus scientific and clinical evidence are needed in determining the efficacy. Objective: This study generally aims to systematically gather the available evidence in determining the effectiveness of ABHS in reducing bacteria on hands when compared to other hand hygiene methods and to determine the factors involved in influencing effectiveness of ABHS in reducing bacteria on hands. Methodology: A systematic literature search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was conducted in June 2021 to retrieve the studies using the predetermined keywords. The title and abstract screening followed by full text screening were done based on eligibility criteria. Then, data extraction of the included studies was done and followed by the quality assessment. Results: A total of 41 in vivo and clinical studies were included in the systematic review for a descriptive synthesis. The results obtained were 32 studies reported on the effectiveness of ABHS in reducing bacteria when compared to other hand hygiene methods and 9 studies reported on the factors influencing the efficacy of ABHS in reducing bacteria on hands. About 60% (19 out of 32 studies) of the studies reported significant reduction in bacteria when the ABHS is used as compared to traditional handwashing (plain or antibacterial soaps). However, ABHS is reported to be not effective in reducing bacterial spores and when hands are contaminated with soil. The factors affecting the antibacterial efficacy of ABHS includes formats of ABHS, volumes of application, use of hand lotion before using hand sanitizer, and formulation of ABHS. Discussion: Poor hand hygiene compliance has been observed due to inaccessible to water or lack of time in handwashing. Alternative method needs to be used to improve hand hygiene compliance in preventing disease transmission. The substantial results obtained in this systematic review suggested ABHS can reduce bacteria present on hands, thus it can be used in replacing the traditional handwashing using soap and water to improve hand hygiene compliance and to prevent bacterial transmission. Nevertheless, when there is soil load on hands, hand hygiene using ABHS alone is not very effective in reducing bacteria and physical or mechanical removal needs to be combined for better efficacy. Conclusion: The results from this systematic review suggested that ABHS is effective in reducing bacteria on the hands of humans as a hygienic hand disinfection.
| Item Type: | Project Paper |
|---|---|
| Faculty: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Science |
| Depositing User: | Ms. Nor Safa'aton Saidin |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Aug 2023 07:50 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Aug 2023 07:50 |
| URI: | http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1045 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |