The objective was to know the hand hygiene habits of medical students; as well as the bacterial population resident in the palm of the hands. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Likewise, a hand hygiene behavior survey was carried out on 100 students, and a microbiological culture of the palmar surface was carried out on 33 other students. Regarding hygiene habits, 74% showed an appropriate attitude. The hygiene attitude was appropriate in 41.3% and 46% in relation to the prevention of contagion. The following pathogenic microorganisms were isolated: S.aureus with 20 cases (60.6%), P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter and S.viridans, one in each case. Therefore, workshops or dissemination campaigns should be organized to raise awareness and modulate hand hygiene habits in students.

The objective was to know the hand hygiene habits of medical students; as well as the bacterial population resident in the palm of the hands. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Likewise, a hand hygiene behavior survey was carried out on 100 students, and a microbiological culture of the palmar surface was carried out on 33 other students. Regarding hygiene habits, 74% showed an appropriate attitude. The hygiene attitude was appropriate in 41.3% and 46% in relation to the prevention of contagion. The following pathogenic microorganisms were isolated: S.aureus with 20 cases (60.6%), P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter and S.viridans, one in each case. Therefore, workshops or dissemination campaigns should be organized to raise awareness and modulate hand hygiene habits in students.