Hand Hygiene Conditions, Soap Availability, and Their Public Health Importance in Healthcare Facilities
- VernacularTitle:Эрүүл мэндийн байгууллагын орчин дахь гарын эрүүл ахуйг сахих нөхцөл, савангийн хүртээмж, ач холбогдол
- Author:
Myagmarjargal N
1
;
Bolor B
2
;
Oyunbileg D
3
;
Enkhjargal A
2
Author Information
1. National Center for Public Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2. National Center for Public Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
3. Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
hand hygiene;
healthcare facilities;
soap availability;
healthcare-associated infections;
infection prevention and control;
economic impact;
Mongolia
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2026;217(3):67-79
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Hand hygiene is a fundamental component of infection prevention and control in healthcare
facilities. Healthcare workers’ hands can transmit pathogens between patients, medical
equipment, and environmental surfaces, contributing to healthcare-associated infections
(HAIs).
Objective:To synthesize evidence on hand hygiene conditions, soap and alcohol-based hand rub
availability, compliance, public health importance, and economic benefits in healthcare
facilities, with particular relevance to Mongolia.
Material and Methods:A narrative review was conducted using published studies, international guidelines,
WHO/UNICEF reports, and Mongolian regulatory documents addressing hand hygiene
infrastructure, essential supplies, compliance, HAI prevention, and economic outcomes.
Results:Hand hygiene compliance remains suboptimal in many healthcare settings and is frequently
reported below 40%. Compliance is influenced not only by healthcare workers’ knowledge
and attitudes but also by the availability of running water, functional sinks, liquid soap,
alcohol-based hand rub, hand-drying facilities, training, workload, institutional leadership,
monitoring, and feedback. HAIs are more common in low- and middle-income countries,
where limitations in water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention infrastructure increase
risks for patients and healthcare workers. In Mongolia, basic hand hygiene service coverage
has been reported at approximately 72%, indicating continuing gaps in essential facilities and
supplies. Multimodal strategies that combine system improvement, education, reminders,
monitoring, feedback, and institutional support are more likely to improve compliance and
reduce infection risks. Economic evidence also indicates that hand hygiene is a high-value
intervention: every US$1 invested in hand hygiene improvement may save up to US$16.50 in healthcare expenditure, while hygiene promotion including handwashing can avert one
DALY at an estimated cost of US$3.35.
Conclusion:Strengthening hand hygiene in Mongolian healthcare facilities requires sustainable
financing, reliable supply systems, adequate infrastructure, continuous training, and routine
monitoring. Integrating these measures into IPC and WASH programmes can improve patient
safety, reduce HAIs, and generate substantial public health and economic benefits.
- Full text:2026101821554693543MMS-2026-217(3)-67-79.pdf
