[No abstract available]

Background and objective: Through contaminated hands, number of infectious disease can be transmitted from one person to another. Salmonella spp, E. coli O157, norovirus and adenovirus that can cause diarrheal and respiratory infections are transmitted either directly or indirectly via contaminated objects. Children are at higher risk of getting such infections as they lack natural immunity and understanding of the importance of good hygiene. Hand washing is one of the most important factors in controlling the spread of the microorganisms. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of hand washing and the hand washing technique, in relation to "Bacterfree Hand Intervention" among pre-schoolers. Materials and methods: This cluster-randomized trial involved 146 pre-schoolers from 3 different pre-schools in Wilayah Persekutuan was conducted from April to August 2015.Participants were interviewed twice; pre and post intervention. Face-to-face interview was done using guided questionnaires that include questions on knowledge and attitude of hand washing and its techniques. A group of students were given single intervention i.e. posters and the other group participated in "Bacterfree Hand Intervention" program which consisted of storytelling, posters and demonstration. Results: There were significant increase of knowledge (median (10.00 vs 11.00, P< 0.001) and technique(6.00 vs 6.00, P = 0.020) after intervention in single intervention group while the attitude (median 6.00 vs 6.00, P= 0.871) was remained unchanged. Meanwhile, the median of knowledge, attitude and hand washing techniques in multiple intervention group increased significantly after intervention. Conclusions: This study highlighted the need of comprehensive educational programs that include various mode of delivery to create awareness regarding the importance of hand hygiene among pre-school children. This is very important to establish healthy environment and eventually prevent communicable diseases in the community.

Introduction: Children in pre-schools are at high risk of getting infections due to overcrowding, minimal awareness of basic hygiene and lack of immunity against microorganisms. Hand hygiene practice should be started at home where parents set good example, followed by formal education in pre- schools, primary and secondary school. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive program on hand hygiene practice in pre-schools. This paper presents the developmental aspects of the program material and the results of its evaluation process in a selected pre-school. Methods: Stage of development involved preparation of song, lyric, video clip, infographic and tablet application. The module was introduced during an intervention day called �Healthy Hands� day. The acceptance of the module was evaluated before and after the intervention day. Evaluation was done by assessing pre-school children by face-to-face interview about knowledge on hand hygiene techniques and routine, such as before or after certain activities. Results: We managed to compose a song in three languages (Malay, English & Arabic), produced a video clip, an infographic and tablet application. A total of 227 children participated. Post intervention evaluation showed significant (p<0.001) increase of knowledge for eight out of eleven handwashing steps. The knowledge on hand hygiene routine i.e. after toilet, after playing outdoor, after sneezing and after playing with pet was also increased significantly. Conclusion: This comprehensive knowledge transfer program significantly improved the children�s hand hygiene techniques and routine and is recommended to be integrated into pre-school curriculum. � 2019 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Nasal colonisation of S. aureus in healthy children was 18% to 30%. One to three percent of them were colonised by Methicillin-resistant Staphlycoccus aureus (MRSA). Although MRSA infection has become increasingly reported, population-based S. aureus and MRSA colonisation estimates are lacking. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus carriage among children. Methods: Nasal samples for S. aureus culture were obtained from 250 children from three kindergartens in the Klang Valley, after consent was obtained from the children and their parents. Swabs were transported in Stuart medium, and inoculated on mannitol-salt agar within four hours of collection. Identification and disk diffusion test were done according to guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction was done on MRSA isolates for the presence of mecA and lukS/FPV genes. Results: Overall prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage were 19.2% (48/250) and 1.6% (4/250) respectively. mecA gene was present in all isolates, 50% isolates carried Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) gene. Sccmec type I was found in 2 isolates and the remaining isolates has Sccmec type V. Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage were similar to other studies. However, risk of contracting severe infection might be higher due to presence of PVL gene in half of the MRSA isolates. � 2016, Malaysian Medical Association. All rights reserved.