Self-Reported Hand-Washing Practices of Idaho State University Physical Therapy Graduates

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the hand-washing practices of Idaho State University physical therapy graduates. Other aspects of the study provided a retrospective evaluation of instructional methods and possible influences of age, gender, practice setting, and length of time practicing as a physical therapist on hand-washing behaviors. Graduates (1991-1993, n=64) were surveyed to evaluate compliance to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards for hand washing. Data from respondents (n=52) were analyzed with t tests and chi-square analyses for differences in compliance to hand-washing standards by practice setting, gender, age, and year of graduation. The majority of respondents (n=34, 65%) did not comply with hand-washing standards. There were no significant differences in hand-washing behaviors by age, gender, year of graduation, and practice setting. Differences in instructional methods did not influence compliance rates in our study. More research is necessary to determine whether these findings are indicative of graduates from other physical therapy programs and to determine factors that influence physical therapists' compliance to hand-washing standards after graduation.

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