Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques des personnes vivant avec le VIH dans un centre de prise en charge au Sénégal

L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les connaissances des Personnes Vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) sur les modes de transmission, la prévention et le traitement de l'infection à VIH, décrire et d'analyser leurs comportements et pratiques depuis l'annonce de leur séropositivité. Méthodologie : Etude transversale à visée descriptive réalisée du 1er juin au 31 octobre 2012, concernant les patients infectés par le VIH, suivis en ambulatoire au Centre de Recherche Clinique et de Formation de Fann. Résultats : Quarante-sept patients, en majorité des femmes (sex-ratio F/M = 3,2) ont été interrogés. Leur âge médian était de 43 ans [extrêmes : 18 ans-63 ans]. Les infections opportunistes constituaient la principale circonstance de dépistage (75%).Les principales sources d'information sur la maladie étaient les médias (75%). La transmission mère-enfant n'était connue que par 17% des patients. Le préservatif était le moyen de prévention le plus cité (77%). Seuls 4 patients ont cité les centres de dépistage volontaire pour le dépistage de l'infection à VIH. Cinquante-quatre pour cent des cas percevaient leur maladie comme une épreuve divine. Par rapport aux attitudes et pratiques face au VIH, 32 patients étaient favorables au partage du statut sérologique mais seuls 29 avaient informé un tiers qui était le conjoint dans 7 cas. Vingt-huit patients étaient sexuellement actifs et 12 exigeaient le port de préservatif. Conclusion : La prise en charge psycho-sociale et sexuelle au cours du suivi est indispensable afin d'améliorer les connaissances des patients sur l'infection à VIH, leurs attitudes et pratiques

[Interest of ambulatory simplified acute physiology score (ASAPS) applied to patients admitted in an intensive care unit of an infectious diseases unit in Dakar]. / Intérêt de l'indice de gravité simplifié ambulatoire (IGSA) appliqué à des patients admis dans l'unité de soins intensifs (USI) d'un service de pathologie infectieuse à Dakar.

The evaluation of patients by a scale of gravity allows a better categorization of patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU). Our study had for objective to estimate interest of Ambulatory Simplified Acute Physiologic Score (ASAPS) applied to patients admitted in ICU of infectious diseases department of FANN hospital. It was about a descriptive and analytical retrospective study, made from the data found in patients' files admitted into the USI infectious diseases department of FANN hospital in Dakar, from January 1(st), 2009 till December 31st, 2009.The data of 354 patients' files were analyzed. The sex-ratio was 1.77 with an average age of 37.6 years ± 19.4 years old [5-94 years]. The majority of the patients were unemployed paid (39.6%). The most frequent failures were the following ones: neurological (80.5%), cardio-respiratory (16.7%). The average duration of stay was 6.2 days ± 8.2 days going of less than 24 hours to more than 10 weeks. The deaths arose much more at night (53.1%) than in the daytime (46.9%) and the strongest rate of death was recorded in January (61.5%), most low in October (26.7%). The global mortality was 48.3%. The rate of lethality according to the highest main diagnosis was allocated to the AIDS (80.5%). The average ambulatory simplified acute physiology score was 5.3 ± 3.6 with extremes of 0 and 18. The deaths in our series increased with this index (p = 0.000005). The female patients had a rate of lethality higher than that of the men people, 55.5% against 44.2% (p = 0.03). In spite of a predictive score of a high survival (ASAPS < 8), certain number of patients died (n = 105) that is 61.4% of the deaths. The metabolic disturbances, hyperleukocytosis or leukopenia when realised, the presence of a chronic disease, seemed also to influence this lethality. ASAPS only, although interesting, would not good estimate the gravity of patients, where from the necessity thus of a minimum biological balance sheet. It seems better adapted for patients with a high value (ASAPS≥8). This score when it is low, is not correlated, in our study, at a high survival rate as waited in this population.

[Tuberculoid leprosy revealed by active ulcerative colitis: a case report]. / Une rectocolite hémorragique révélant une lèpre tuberculoïde.

Leprosy is endemic in Senegal. In 2011, there were 73 new cases reported in Dakar. The circumstances of discovery are often dermatologic or neurologic. Few case reports describe an association with chronic inflammatory colitis, probably fortuitous. We report the case of a 30-year-old woman who had a tuberculoid leprosy revealed by active ulcerative colitis. Treatment according to the WHO protocol of leprosy, combined with corticosteroids and then methotrexate, resulted in healing of the leprosy and remission of the colitis.

Analyse de la prise en charge communautaire des orphelins et enfants rendus vulnerables (OEV) par le VIH/SIDA : experience de l'organisation communautaire de base (OCB) Jammixale yi Thies (Senegal)

Introduction: le VIH/SIDA ne cesse de provoquer de multiples difficultes avec l'accroissement du nombre d'orphelins et enfants vulnerables (OEV). Au Senegal; 3193 OEV etaient recenses en 2008. L'objectif etait d' analyser la prise en charge communautaire des OEV par l'organisation communautaire de base (OCB) JammiXale Yi (JXY) de Thies afin de mieux apprecier les effets psychologiques du VIH sur les enfants; les parents. Population et methode: Il s'agissait d'une etude transversale faite en 2009 aupres des agents de sante; des OEV et de leurs parents. Des entretiens individuels et des focus groups ont permis de recueillir des donnees. Selon la source et la cible; une triangulation des informations avait ete faite Resultats : 61 OEV etaient suivis. L'age moyen etait de 9;82 ans; variant entre 2 mois et 17 ans. Le sex- ratio etait de 1;08 (filles = 48).Dans cet OCB; 99 des enfants etaient a l'ecole publique; 20 avaient une bourse scolaire ; 92 n'etaient pas depistes. Parmi ceux depistes; 8 etaient seropositifs.Selon la cible; les principaux effets psychosociaux du VIH/SIDA etaient pour les enfants: l'utilisation de l'alcool; de la drogue; la prostitution. Pour les parents venaient au premier rang : la discrimination; le non depistage des enfants; les difficultes d'acces aux soins de qualite; l'attitude d'indiscretion du personnel de la sante. Les agents de sante avaient surtout souligne le manque de formation sur la prise en charge psychologique des OEV. Conclusion : on note l'importance des effets psychosociaux du VIH/SIDA sur les enfants; leurs parents et la difficulte de la prise en charge communautaire de cette maladie dans les pays a ressources limitees

[Evaluation of tolerance of zidovudine-lamivudine-nevirapine combination in HIV 1 patients in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar]. / Évaluation de la tolérance de l'association zidovudine-lamivudine-névirapine chez les patients VIH-1 au Centre hospitalier de Fann à Dakar.

We conducted a study to evaluate the tolerance of the zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP) combination regimen in HIV-1 patients by a descriptive analytical retrospective study of all HIV-1 patients receiving AZT-3TC-NVP combination between 2008 and 2011. Seventy patients were included. Two thirds of the patients presented at least one side effect (44 cases). The digestive disorders (15 cases) and neuropsychiatric (14 cases) were the most frequent. Epigastralgia (20%), headaches (20%) and arthralgias (13%) were main side effects. A maculo-papular exanthema was noted in three cases. During the follow-up, five patients presented with anemia. No patient presented hepatic cytolysis due to NVP. All the patients followed for more than six months presented a side effect against 29.7% when the duration of treatment was equal to or less than 6 months (p=10(-5)). Most of the side effects due to the association AZT/3TC/NVP are minor. The evaluation of the clinical and biological tolerance must be maintained during all the follow-up.

[Current profile of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a hospital setting in Dakar]. / Profil actuel de la toxoplasmose cérébrale en milieu hospitalier à Dakar.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a hospital setting in Dakar. METHODS: This descriptive and analytic study examined the records of all HIV-positive patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis hospitalized at the infectious disease department at Fann (teaching) Hospital from January 2007 through December 2010. The diagnosis was based on clinical and computed tomography criteria completed by a therapeutic test with Cotrimoxazole. RESULTS: There were 26 cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis during the study period. The sex ratio (F/M) was 1.4. The mean age was 41.5 ± 11.2 years. The clinical signs were predominantly fever (88.5%), headache (77.5%), focal signs (64.5%), and disorders of consciousness (61.5%). Brain lesions were most often multiple (64.3%), with mass effects (54.1%) and peripheral edema (77.8%). Seven of the 26 patients died (lethality rate: 29.1%). Impaired consciousness (p = 0.023), high CD8 T-cell counts (p = 0.009), and anemia (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Cerebral toxoplasmosis remains a complication of AIDS in Dakar. Anemia, impaired consciousness, and high CD8(+) T cell counts were factors indicative of poor prognosis.

[Elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in Senegal: evolution of survey indicators of 2003-2009]. / Élimination du tétanos maternel et néonatal au Sénégal : évolution des indicateurs de surveillance de 2003 à 2009.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the evolution of the maternal and neonatal tetanus in Senegal from the tetanus vaccination coverage among pregnant women, the proportion of deliveries attended by trained medical personnel and the number of cases of tetanus declared by respective districts, helping to identify districts at high risk of neonatal tetanus (NNT). METHOD: Data analysis of the epidemiological surveillance realized from 2003 to 2009 in 65 districts of Senegal. Data were collected from the reports of vaccination usage and from the Statistical Directories of the National Health Information Services of the Ministry of Health & Prevention. A district is at high risk when the incidence of NNT is ≥1 case per 1 000 Live births (LB). RESULTS: There were 153 reported cases of NNT in Senegal between 2003 and 2009. National incidence decreased from 0.08 to 0.03 case per 1 000 LB (p = 0,0008). The vaccination coverage of the pregnant women by at least two doses of tetanus vaccine (VAT2+) increased from 66% in 2003 to 78% in 2009. The percentage of districts that had reached a vaccination coverage ≥80% was 20% in 2003 compared to 60% in 2009 (p = 0.009). The proportion of deliveries attended by qualified medical staff evolved from 53% in 2003 to 67% in 2009 (p = 0,02). By 2009, the incidence of NNT was less than 1 case per 1,000 LBs in all districts. CONCLUSION: Assessing the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in Senegal shows that progress has been made from 2003 to 2009. This was made possible through the organization of vaccination campaigns for women of childbearing age and the improvements in the conditions of deliveries.

[Efficacy and tolerance of tenofovir-lamivudine-efavirenz combination in HIV-1 patients in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar]. / Efficacité et tolérance de l'association ténofovir-lamivudine-éfavirenz chez les patients VIH-1 à la clinique des maladies infectieuses du CHNU de Fann à Dakar.

We conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of the tenofovir (TDF), lamivudine (3TC) and efavirenz (EFV) combination regimen in HIV-1 patients by a descriptive analytical retrospective study of all HIV-1 patients receiving TDF-3TC-EFV combination between 2007 and 2011. Collected data was analysed using EpiInfo™ version 6.04. One hundred patients were included, with an average follow-up duration of 27 months and 19 days (± 21 months and 14 days).We observed an average increase in body weight of about 8 kg per annum, with an average rise in CD4 count of 100/mm(3) by the end of the second year. A reduction in viral load with 71% of patients in therapeutic success at 24 month of treatment was noted. Ninety-two patients presented with at least one side effect, mostly being Grade 1 or 2 (96.36%). Neurological (24 patients) and digestive (20 patients) complaints comprised the commonest reported side effects. Four patients had adverse effects severe enough to warrant a change in treatment regimen, principally due to renal insufficiency. Thirteen subjects died. Patients receiving TDF-3TC-EVF combination therapy need rigorous surveillance because this combination, although efficient, is not without significant adverse effects.

[Current profile of HIV-infected patients hospitalized in Dakar (Senegal)]. / Profil actuel des patients infectés par le VIH hospitalisés à Dakar (Sénégal).

Ten years after the introduction of the Senegalese Antiretroviral Drug Access Initiative in 1998, we conducted a retrospective study of the epidemiological and clinical profiles and outcome of HIV-infected patients hospitalized in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar between 2007 and 2008. During these 2 years, 527 HIV-positive patients were included. The average age of the patients was 41 ± 10 years, and the sex-ratio (F/M) was 1.1; 56% of patients were married. The average interval before admission was 40 ± 57 days. Fever (83%), loss of weight (83%) and cough (54%) were the principal symptoms. Tuberculosis (40.9%) and gastrointestinal candidiasis (38.9%) were the commonest opportunistic infections. Most patients were diagnosed at the AIDS stage (88%) and the CD4+ T lymphocyte count was ≤ 200/mm3 in 86% of cases. Hospital fatality was 44% (231/527). Tuberculosis (36%), bacterial pneumonia (18%) and encephalitis (12%) were the most frequent causes of death. Despite the availability of and free access to antiretroviral drugs in Senegal, the mortality associated with HIV infection remains very high due to late diagnosis. The population must be educated to boost early screening and care.

[Human rabies: diagnostic pitfalls]. / La rage humaine, un diagnostic parfois difficile.

The purpose of this report is to describe two cases of human rabies in Senegal that illustrate possible diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls even in an endemic area. Although outcome is almost always fatal and interhuman transmission is uncommon, prompt diagnosis of rabies is important since delay increases the risk of exposure to the virus for the entourage.

[Maternal tetanus in Dakar from 2000 to 2007]. / Tétanos maternel à Dakar de 2000 à 2007.

The objective of this study conducted between January 2000 and December 2007 was to assess the current epidemiological, clinical and outcome features of maternal tetanus (MT) observed in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Fann University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. A total of 1156 patients were admitted for tetanus during this period including 9 (0.8%) presenting MT. A progressive decrease in the annual number of MT cases was observed. The mean age of MT patients was 28.3 years [range, 18 to 40 years]. Most cases (n=6) involved persons living in suburban areas, as did tetanus in women of childbearing age (WCBA) (51.9% of 129 cases) and in neonates (63.1% of 103 cases) admitted during the same period. All patients had fallen behind the vaccination schedule. Septic abortion (n=7) was the main etiological factor. Although tetanus was graded as moderate in 8 patients (Mollaret stage 2), the death rate was high (44.4%) due to infectious and obstetric complications. This rate was similar to that associated with tetanus in newborns (48.5%), but higher than that associated with tetanus in WCBA (25.6%). The incidence of life-threatening MT is declining in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Fann University Hospital in Dakar. A systematic immunization program along with campaigns to prevent unwanted pregnancy in women of childbearing age will be needed to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus in Dakar.

[Tetanus in women of childbearing age at the infectious diseases clinic in Dakar]. / Le tétanos de la femme en age de procréer a la clinique des maladies infectieuses de Dakar.

The objective of this article was to describe the epidemiological and outcome features of tetanus in the woman of childbearing age (WCBAT) and compare them with neonatal tetanus (NT) and other tetanus cases in a hospital department in Dakar from 1998 to 2007. A retrospective study was conducted using the files of WCBAT (15 to 49 years old), NT (3 to 28 days old) and other tetanus cases admitted at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, in Fann University Hospital, from 1998 to 2007. 1484 cases of tetanus were admitted in 10 years, with 176 cases of tetanus of WCBAT (11.8%) and 178 cases of NT (11.9%). In comparison with WCBAT the NT annual hospital rate significantly decreased during the study period whereas other tetanus cases rate remained stable. The average age of WCBAT was 26.1 year old and 57.9% were between 15 and 25 years old. The geographical origin was identical for all patients, with more than 71% coming from suburban areas. Most of the WCBAT cases were housewives (50.9%), single women (75%) without updated tetanus immunization (92%). The main portals of entry of WCBAT were injuries and wounds (67.4%) and maternal tetanus cases were rare (8%), mainly post-abortum. At admission, WCBAT cases were less severe than NT cases but more severe than other tetanus cases. The lethality rate of WCBAT cases (28.4%) was significantly lower than NT cases (50%, p = 0.00003), but higher than the other tetanus cases (22.2%; NS). Prognostic factors were: non-identified or intramuscular injection portal of entry and a Mollaret state III at admission. An intensification of the extended immunization program associated with supplementary immunization campaigns targeting women of child bearing age in high risk districts, are necessary to eradicate neonatal and maternal tetanus in Dakar.

[Knowledge, behaviors and practices among ironworkers about tetanus in Senegal]. / Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques a propos du tétanos chez les ferronniers a Dakar, Sénégal.

Tetanus is still a major health problem in Sénégal. In order to understand some of these reasons, we conducted a study. The aim of this study is to assess ironworkers' knowledge, behaviors and practices about tetanus. This knowledge, behaviors and practices survey was carried out in ironworks of two neighborhoods of Dakar from April 5 to May 10, 2008. 41 ironworks were identified and 32 agreed to participate in the study. In this ironworks, 120 ironworkers were interviewed. Their average age was 29 years +/- 15, education in French schools was low and 78.3% of them had a source of information. Despite some inaccuracies, most ironworkers were aware of tetanus (97.5%), severity (93.3%), causes (89.2%). However 35% did not evaluate the risk of tetanus and almost all the ironworkers or 96.7% had no preventive measures after injury. Moreover, no ironworker was fully immunized against tetanus. In some occupations at risk, awareness of tetanus should be increased by all available channels and methods emphasizing the importance of prevention.

[Parasitic and fungal neuroinfections at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar]. / Neuro-infections parasitaires et mycosiques a la clinique des maladies infectieuses du Chu de Dakar.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study was carried out to describe the epidemiological, clinical and aetiological profile of parasitic and fungal neuroinfections at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected for analysis from patients files recorded from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003. RESULTS: We found 126 cases of parasitic and fungal neuroinfections, representing 62% of the total of neuroinfections cases (126/203) and 27% of cerebro-meningeal diseases encountered at the clinic during the study period (126/470). Sex ratio M/F was 1.7 and the mean age of patients was 32 years +/- 14.4. Thirty seven patients (30%) were HIV seropositive. Aetiologies were represented by cerebral malaria (85 cases), neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (37 cases) and toxoplasmosis (4 cases). The overall case fatality rate was 38% (48 deaths/126). The fatality rate varied according to aetiologies: 27% in cerebral malaria, and 59.5% in neuromeningeal cryptococcosis that was found mainly among HIV positive patients (34 cases/37). CONCLUSION: These results give evidence of the frequency and the gravity of the adult's cerebral malaria in Dakar, but also the growing place of the neuromeningeal cryptococcosis in the neuromeningeal opportunist pathology of HIV positive patients.

[Tolerance study of a triple first-line antiretroviral combination zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz in Dakar, Senegal]. / Etude de la tolérance d'une trithérapie antirétro- virale de première intention associant zidovudine, lamivudine et efavirenz à Dakar, Sénégal.

This study aimed at describing the side-effects reported in patients infected with HIV-1 treated initially by the association zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz between 2002 and 2007 in the Regional Centre of Clinical Research and Training in Dakar as part of the cohort of the Senegalese Initiative Access to Antiretroviral. Adverse effects were entered and analysed using the software Epi Info version 6.04. The average age of the patients was 38 years old. During the follow-up (average = 741 days), adverse effects were reported 75 times and 39 patients were concerned. The most frequent type of side-effects was neuropsychiatric (47%), digestive (20%) and dermatological (16%). They were severe in 13% of cases and severe anaemia was noted in eight cases. These required a change of therapy in 19%, mainly for severe anaemia (15%). The association zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz doesn't seem to induce severe side-effects. Nevertheless, considering the frequency of neuropsychiatric side-effects and severity of hematological side-effects, attention should be paid to neuropsychiatric and blood examination of patients undergoing this combination antiretroviral therapy.

[Late diagnosis of HIV infection in the Fann, Dakar clinic of infectious diseases: testing circumstances, therapeutic course of patients, and determining factors]. / Dépistage tardif de l'infection à VIH à la clinique des maladies infectieuses de Fann, Dakar: circonstances de diagnostic, itinéraire thérapeutique des patients et facteurs déterminants.

BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY: The delay in the diagnosis of HIV infection is a major obstacle to optimal care for this disease. To deal with this problem, we conducted this study among newly diagnosed HIV patients hospitalized in the Fann University Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic in Dakar. The epidemiological, clinical, biological and outcome aspects are described and patient history reviewed. A qualitative socio-anthropological study was made to understand and describe the logic of the decision processes in the patient's search for treatment. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included, with a mean age of 39.5+/-11.1 years and a sex-ratio: 1.08. The transmission was mainly heterosexual (90%), and chronic diarrhea (64%) and/or chronic cough (66%) were the principal symptoms leading to diagnosis. The mean delay before diagnosis was 5+/-4.27 months. The major opportunistic diseases were tuberculosis (44 cases) and infectious diarrhea (23 cases). Most patients were diagnosed at the AIDS stage (97%) and the death rate was 30% among hospitalized patients after admission. Sixty-eight percent of patients had consulted at least three times, generally a "traditional practitioner", at first and 43% had been hospitalized at least once. The qualitative investigation revealed that the "representation" or the "feeling of severity" of the disease were the principal justifications for consulting the "traditional practitioner" or the physician, respectively. CONCLUSION: Better information for health workers and global population is necessary for an earlier diagnosis of HIV infection in Dakar.

[Tetanus in neonates and women of child-bearing age in the Dakar hospital infectious diseases unit]. / Tétanos néonatal et de la femme en âge de procréer à la clinique des maladies infectieuses de Dakar.

OBJECTIVES: This study had for aim to describe and compare the epidemiological, clinical and outcome features of tetanus in neonates (NT) and women of child bearing age (WCBAT) in Dakar. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This retrospective study was made on NT (3 to 28 days of age) and WCBAT (15 to 49 years of age) patient files, admitted in the Fann University Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic from 2000 to 2007. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-eight WCBAT (11.9%) and 103 NT (8.9%), for a total of 1156 cases of tetanus were admitted. A decrease of the annual rate of these populations was noted over this 8 year period. The majority (59.4%) of WCBAT was between 15 and 25 years of age and the mean age of NT was 9.3 days. Most of the patients in both groups came from suburban areas (78%). The tetanus immunization status was not updated for 92% of WCBAT. The most frequent portals of entry were cutaneous wounds for WCBAT (77.4%) and umbilical stumps for NT (85.4%). On admission, 64% of NT presented with severe tetanus (stage III on the Mollaret scale) compared to 11.6% for WCBAT. The death rate was significantly higher in NT (48.5%) than in WCBAT (26.8%); p=0.0005. CONCLUSION: To eliminate neonatal tetanus, the prognosis of which is worse in Dakar, an intensification of the large vaccination program is needed with supplementary vaccination campaigns including women of child bearing age in areas of risk.

[Hand washing at Fann hospital: investigation among health workers]. / Lavage des mains au chnu de Fann: enquête auprès du personnel de soins.

INTRODUCTION: Handwashing is usually neglected in hospital settings. The objective of this study was to draw attention of health workers in Fann hospital as part of the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out prospectively from April 26h to May 25th. An anonymous questionnaire was administered by 20 formed investigators to health workers, along with an inventory of available resources for hand washing in the study site allowing to collect the data by interview. RESULTS: A total of 256 health workers were investigated. The mean age was 35.3 +/- 9.4 years [range = 20-71] with a sex ratio of 0.62. As for the education level, the secondary and university predominated. The concept of Manu carrying was ignored by 59.3% of the personnel. This proportion was higher among people with low education level. Possibility of resident and transitional floras in the hand was ignored by most of the investigated personnel. The hand washing technique to be applied while putting vesicle probe was ignored by 59% of the personnel, and 34% declared using hand towel to dry hands. Half of the personnel ignored that bread soap was not recommended. The availability of hydro alcoholic solutions was variable according to the hospital wards. The lavabo/bed ratio was 1/7 and was unacceptable. CONCLUSION: In Fann hospital, the importance and the techniques of hand washing are not well known, that's why a training of the hospital's Personnel and an improvement of resources for handwashing are necessary for a good hospital's hygiene.