Effect of animation-based edutainment compared with pamphlet-based education on hand hygiene and HAI prevention among...

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are among the most common and serious complications in healthcare settings. Engaging patients in infection prevention through effective educational interventions is a key strategy for reducing the risk of HAIs. This study aimed to compare the effects of animation-based edutainment and pamphlet-based education on hand hygiene practices and HAI prevention among surgical patients.

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 170 surgical patients aged 18-65 years who met the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were refusal to continue the study or inability to access the animated content on the smartphone. To prevent contamination between groups, the Pamphlet group was sampled first, followed by the animation group. Educational content delivered in two formats: pamphlets and animation.

The paired t-test indicated that participants' handwashing frequency before and after the intervention differed significantly in both groups (P<0.001). Additionally, the independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference in handwashing frequency between the groups before the intervention (t(167)=-0.14, P=0.99), whereas a significant difference was observed after the intervention (t(168)= -3.76, P<0.001), with greater improvement in the animation group. Also, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests demonstrated statistically significant improvements in several awareness behaviours related to HAIs within both groups (P<0.05), with greater improvement in the animation group.

Educational interventions using pamphlets and animation effectively improve hand hygiene practices and awareness of infection prevention among surgical patients. Animation-based education may reduce the risk of HAIs in surgical settings, potentially by enhancing patients' motivation, engagement, and willingness to learn.