The Effect of Using Fluorescent Concretization Intervention on Hand Hygiene Training in Primary School Students

Introduction: Inadequate hand hygiene increases the rates of childhood infectious diseases and deaths, leading to the death of one child per minute. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the program in which fluorescent embodiment intervention was used as an educational strategy on the hand washing skills of primary school students. Method: Single center randomized controlled trial using a pretest and posttest design was conducted with 35 intervention and 35 control participants. Data were collected with Dermalux Test Lotion containing fluorescently detectable under ultraviolet light, Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, Hand Washing Skill Checklist, Hand Washing Skill Efficacy, and Hand Hygiene Assessment Question Form in School Children. Results: A statistical difference was found in the hand washing activity given for both hands of the participants in the experimental group before and after the training (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the mean hand washing checklist scores and hand washing times of all participants before and after the training (p < 0.05). When the percentage of change in the mean hand washing checklist scores before and after the training was compared, it was found that the change in the experimental group increased to 62% and in the control group to 23% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Visual concretization and explanation improve hand washing activity. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use technological devices that provide such visual feedback in the education of school-age children.