Final answer:
Placing gloves over dirty hands is not a substitute for proper hand washing. Hand washing is the most effective behavior to prevent the spread of pathogens. Gloves should be used as an additional protective measure when necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
TRUE
Placing gloves over dirty hands is not a substitute for proper hand washing. Although gloves provide a barrier between the hands and potential pathogens, they can become contaminated themselves. Therefore, hand washing is still necessary even when gloves are used.
Proper hand washing involves using soap and warm running water. It is important to wet the hands, apply soap, lather for at least 20 seconds, scrub all surfaces of the hands including the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails, and then rinse thoroughly with running water. Hand washing should be done before preparing or serving food, after using the toilet, and whenever hands become soiled.
It is important to note that hand washing is the single most effective behavior to prevent the spread of pathogens and infection. Gloves should be used as an additional protective measure when necessary, but they should never replace proper hand hygiene.