Publications

Abstract Purpose: Preventive measure has been a gold stone in reducing the spread of Coronavirus disease of 2019. These measures include quarantine, social distancing, face mask use, and most importantly hand hygiene. Consequently, alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been used abundantly. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, preference, and practice toward hand sanitizers of the Lebanese community, during the pandemic period. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out from mid of May to mid of June 2020. Adult Lebanese residents from the 5 main Lebanese districts were invited to participate in the study. The questionnaire included demographic data, 5 knowledge questions, practice during COVID-19, and preferred characteristics of hand sanitizers. Data was analysed using SPSS-version 20. Results were considered significant at p-value ≤0.05 with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Out of the 481 participants, 278 were unable to be quarantined, and accordingly 74.5% had to use hand sanitizers regularly. Gel form, fast-drying, and low price were the main factors behind the choice of hand sanitizers by percentages of 51.2%,40.2%, and 36.2%, respectively. Nevertheless, all types of hand sanitizers have caused skin irritation in 43% of the respondents. The knowledge score revealed an average score of 2.56±1.1 over 5 with a significantly higher means for medical workers and university degrees. Conclusion: Consequently, educational campaigns should target common people for the proper choice and use of hand sanitizers.