Baseline characteristics of a cluster randomized controlled trial targeting hand hygiene in primary healthcare in Burkina Faso and Mali

Objectives This study presents baseline characteristics of a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) on hand hygiene in primary healthcare in Burkina Faso and Mali, addressing data gaps on hand hygiene practices in these settings. Methods We implemented a two-arm cRCT in 48 primary healthcare facilities. Baseline data were collected (January–June 2023), followed by covariate-constrained randomization. We conducted covert hand hygiene observations, hand-rinse sampling for Escherichia coli detection, and a survey on behavioral factors among healthcare workers. The primary outcome is observed handwashing rate. Results Baseline data included 309 healthcare workers. Trial arms were balanced in hand hygiene adherence, behavioral factors, and E. coli contamination. Hand hygiene adherence was low (12%). E. coli contamination was very high in Burkina Faso (76%) and considerable in Mali (23%). Participants had a high intention to wash their hands (93%) but only a quarter could name all moments for hand hygiene. Conclusion Poor hand hygiene and E. coli contamination in our setting may heighten nosocomial infection risks. Interventions should address knowledge and build on high intentions to perform hand hygiene.

Keywords

Subject (DDC)

600 - Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften

Project

Event

Exhibition start date

Exhibition end date

Conference start date

Conference end date

Date of the last check

ISBN

ISSN

1661-8564
1661-8556

Language

English

Created during FHNW affiliation

Yes

Strategic action fields FHNW

Future Health

Publication status

Published

Review

Peer review of the complete publication

Open access category

Gold

License

Citation

Galli, A., Winkler, M. S., Hattendorf, J., Friedrich, M. N. D., Bagayogo, I., Ballo, A., Bänziger, C., Dembélé, H., Keita, M. S., Peter, M., Tall, A. O., Utzinger, J., & Owen, B. N. (2025). Baseline characteristics of a cluster randomized controlled trial targeting hand hygiene in primary healthcare in Burkina Faso and Mali. International Journal of Public Health, 70, 1608406. https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2025.1608406

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