Date of Award

1-5-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa Casanova

Second Advisor

Dr. Ashli Owen-Smith

Abstract

Despite some evidence that suggest that finger ring use is associated with higher bacterial colonization, healthcare providers continue to wear finger rings in a healthcare setting. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence to date regarding whether finger ring use increases bacterial colonization of healthcare providers' hands. Articles that studied the association finger ring use with hand hygiene and bacterial colonization were searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Georgia State University's online library systems. The overall results of this review suggest that finger ring use does increase the bacterial colonization on the hands of HCPs but not with significant difference when compared to no finger ring use; therefore, further research needs to be conducted to decide whether finger rings should be used in a healthcare setting or not.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/11223833

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