A survey of common habits of computer users as indicators of possible environmental contamination and cross infection source

Abstract

Hygiene has been recognized as an infection control strategy and the extent of the problems of environmental contamination largely depends on personal hygiene. With the development of several computer applications in recent times, the uses of computer systems have greatly expanded. And with the previous history of cross contamination of environmental objects, suggests that computer system may be another vehicle for transmission of infectious agents if not used in strict hygienic condition. This study assessed the level and rate of hygiene practice among computer users. It employed the use of questionnaires, interviews and personal observations. Stratified random sampling method was employed. The rate of computer usage and sharing among respondents were over 80 and 97%, respectively. Contrarily, hygienic practices were uncommon practices among users. Hand-washing was observed by only 13.5% of computer users examined. Other unhealthy practices found among computer users included eating (52.1), drinking (56), coughing, sneezing and scratching of head (48.2%). Since microorganisms can be transferred through contact, droplets or airborne routes, it follows that these habits exhibited by users may act as sources of bacteria on keyboards and mice, and equally provides a conducive environment for their survival and proliferation.

Key words: Computer users, environmental contamination, infection.