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

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. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge and the attitudes of the HCPs regarding HH. Questionnaires were distributed to HCPs in two university affiliated hospitals. After completion, members of the study team analyzed the collected data. 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%. The findings indicate that hand hygiene should be included in the formal curriculum, continuous education and supervision are necessary to ensure compliance