Microbial Load of Bed Linens: The Case Of University of Cape Coast Students

Abstract

The study assessed the microbial load of bed linens used by students at the University of Cape Coast. The quantitative research approach was employed and was in two phases. The first phase of the study used survey design to describe the hygienic practices of the population that can bring about microbial existence and served as an exploratory study to assist with the design for phase two. The second phase of the study employed the experimental study with the use of laboratory testing for the assessment of microbial load of bed linens used by students. 32 pieces of 100% cotton and 32 pieces of 35% cotton and 65% polyester blend were used for the study. The statistical software that was used in the analysis of the data collected was the Statistical Package and Service Solution (SPSS) for Windows version 26. The results showed that new bed linens can contain microorganisms, student‘s bed linens can serve as a reservoir for microorganisms and female students washed their bed linens often more than male students. The study found no difference in microbial load in terms of duration and gender of the user. The results also showed more bacteria load on 100% cotton bed linen than on cotton and polyester blend. It is recommended that new bedlinens should be washed before usage and household linens such as beddings should be washed at least every week in order to help curb the spread of microbes through beddings.