Perspective of Health Care Professionals in Two Teaching Hospitals Regarding Hand Hygiene

Abstract

Background: Adherence to hand hygiene (HH) by health care professional (HCP) is crucial to prevent nosocomial infections; adequate knowledge and a positive attitude are needed for optimal compliance. Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the knowledge and the attitudes of the HCPs regarding HH. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to HCPs in two university affiliated hospitals. After completion, members of the study team analyzed the collected data. Results: Two-hundred fifty-five personnel completed the questionnaires; 143 (56.1%) physicians and 112 (43.9%) nursing personnel. Hands of health care personnel were named as the major source of transmission of infection and hand washing as the most effective way to prevent transmission by 88.6% and 94.5% of participants respectively. Hand washing was recognized as HH by 81.6% of the HCP, alcohol hand rubs by 64.3% and disposable gloves by 23.9%. Reasons to perform HH included prevention of nosocomial infection by 85.1% along with self-protection by 64.3%; 25.9% had received formal training. Lack of knowledge, poor accessibility to alcohol hand rubs and concerns about skin damage were regarded as barriers to HH by 71.4%, 54.1% and 41.2% of participants, respectively. Suggestions for improving compliance to hand hygiene: continued education, 67.1%; increasing number/accessibility to hand rubs, 63.5%; putting up posters 54.5% and camera control, 15.7%. Conclusions: The findings indicate that hand hygiene should be included in the formal curriculum, continuous education and supervision are necessary to ensure compliance.