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Background <p>Infant morbidity continues to be a threat to child survival, especially in low and middle-income countries. There is a dearth of local studies on home-based practices, particularly considering their relationship with infections in infants. This study investigated the association between maternal hand hygiene practices and infant morbidity among mother-infant dyads in Enugu state, Nigeria.</p> Methods <p>We used a cross-sectional descriptive design and conducted the study in four rural Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Enugu North senatorial district of Enugu State, Nigeria. Utilizing both purposive and convenience sampling techniques, we studied 353 mothers attending infant welfare clinics in 16 rural primary health centres in the state. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed through a literature review. Data were analysed using descriptive and regression statistics.</p> Results <p>The majority of respondents washed their hands only when they looked dirty (88.4%) and after using the toilet (88.1%). A majority (93.8%) washed with soap and water, but washed inside a bucket or bowl (90.1%). Washing hands only when they look dirty was significantly associated with fever, diarrhea, and vomiting (<i>p</i> &lt; .05), washing hands after using the toilet was significantly associated with fever and vomiting (<i>p</i> &lt; .05), while washing with water only was significantly associated with all the morbidity symptoms (<i>p</i> &lt; .05). The use of hand sanitizer was always significantly associated with diarrhea and vomiting (<i>p</i> &lt; .05).</p> Conclusion <p>Hand hygiene practices were associated with most of the infant morbidity symptoms. The association between the use of hand sanitizer and the infant morbidity symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting could be due to improper use of the hand sanitizer. Continued education and advocacy for proper hand washing practices, especially proper use of hand sanitizers, is necessary to reduce infant morbidity and improve infant and child health.</p>

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The association between maternal hand hygiene practices and infant morbidity among mother-infant dyads in Enugu State: a cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月11日

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  • Cylia Nkechi Iweama,
  • Amelia Ngozi Odo,
  • Lawreta Ijeoma Abugu,
  • Agatha Nneka Obayi

摘要

Background

Infant morbidity continues to be a threat to child survival, especially in low and middle-income countries. There is a dearth of local studies on home-based practices, particularly considering their relationship with infections in infants. This study investigated the association between maternal hand hygiene practices and infant morbidity among mother-infant dyads in Enugu state, Nigeria.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional descriptive design and conducted the study in four rural Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Enugu North senatorial district of Enugu State, Nigeria. Utilizing both purposive and convenience sampling techniques, we studied 353 mothers attending infant welfare clinics in 16 rural primary health centres in the state. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed through a literature review. Data were analysed using descriptive and regression statistics.

Results

The majority of respondents washed their hands only when they looked dirty (88.4%) and after using the toilet (88.1%). A majority (93.8%) washed with soap and water, but washed inside a bucket or bowl (90.1%). Washing hands only when they look dirty was significantly associated with fever, diarrhea, and vomiting (p < .05), washing hands after using the toilet was significantly associated with fever and vomiting (p < .05), while washing with water only was significantly associated with all the morbidity symptoms (p < .05). The use of hand sanitizer was always significantly associated with diarrhea and vomiting (p < .05).

Conclusion

Hand hygiene practices were associated with most of the infant morbidity symptoms. The association between the use of hand sanitizer and the infant morbidity symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting could be due to improper use of the hand sanitizer. Continued education and advocacy for proper hand washing practices, especially proper use of hand sanitizers, is necessary to reduce infant morbidity and improve infant and child health.