Handwashing in healthcare settings in low- and middle-income countries: Literature review on handwashing in maternal care

Abstract

Background: Many low- and middle-income countries have reached the level of over 50% of births taking place in health facilities. However, with an increase in health facility deliveries comes a new challenge - Healthcare associated infections. Even if more deliveries are taking place in facilities with skilled healthcare workers the risk of infection has not disappeared. Many women and newborns are still affected by preventable illnesses and die or develop lifelong disabilities because of infections. This includes infections that are due to poor hand hygiene practices, such as handwash. Therefore, handwashing has been listed as a central part of infection prevention and a base to quality care.

Aim: The aim with this study is to map research done on handwashing in maternity care in low- and middle-income countries.