Introduction:

Deficient handwashing is still a problem in hospitals. The compliance of the international recommendations on this matter provides security in the care.

Objective:

To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices in the technique of handwashing in a pediatric hospital in Havana.

Methodology:

Descriptive study applied to 145 workers (31.7% doctors, 35.2% nurses, 22.8% residents, and 10.3% students) of 13 services. Emergencies, Respiratory, Surgery, Neurosurgery and Caumatology were the services with more participation. The study was conducted in three stages: 1. Direct observation of the technique of handwashing. 2. Quality observation of the handwashing using fluorescent lamp. 3. Extent of knowledge on handwashing and attitudes through survey.

Results:

In the first stage, the 51.7% the handwashing was assessed as inappropriate, in the second stage the 64.8% was also evaluated as inadequate, and in the surveys, the 52.4% had an incorrect knowledge; the attitude towards this activity was described as inappropriate in the 53.1%, with a better percentage in the nursing staff.

Conclusions:

The knowledge, attitudes and practices on handwashing were poor, so it must be designed a training program at all levels, whether undergraduate, graduate or continuing training, where individual responsibility of each healthcare professional exists, and should be highlithed.

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