Factors influencing hand hygiene compliance of healthcare students

Abstract

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to control healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study is to measure the hand hygiene awareness and practices in relation to various variables among the healthcare students. A structured validated questionnaire was completed by the participants to assess their awareness and compliance with hand hygiene. The average knowledge score of 500 students was 6.24/10 with a significant difference between various departments (p = 0.001). Knowledge significantly increased by advanced years of study. The average attitude and practice scores were 6.96 and 5.13, respectively with significant differences only in practice between various departments but not within other variables. Despite an overall good knowledge and attitude, the compliance of hand hygiene was generally poor. These findings suggested that other factors than knowledge and attitude might play a role in compliance. Although there appears to be a direct correlation with knowledge and year of study (Correlation coefficient r = 0.96) a weaker correlation value was detected with attitude (r = 0.02). Conversely, we detected a negative correlation between compliance with hand hygiene and the year of study (r = -0.55). In contrast to many other studies, no gender difference in attitude and practice in this study.

Možemo li edukacijom utjecati na naviku i motivaciju za pravilnom tehnikom dezinfekcije ruku?

“…The fact that correctness and motivation remained the same on day 3 as on day 2 suggests retention of knowledge about the hand disinfection technique, so we can speak of adoption of the habit after 9 days. The information provided in the classroom may lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the need for hand washing during professional practice, and the implementation of regular hand hygiene training early during study is suggested as one of the first steps to improve the quality of patient care by reducing healthcare-associated infections 13 . The most poorly disinfected part of the hand was the right dorsum, followed by the left dorsum.…”

“…Compliance with hand hygiene instructions is often unsatisfactory for healthcare professionals 12 . Therefore, healthcare students, as future healthcare providers, play the greatest role in preventing healthcare-associated infections, but research indicates low levels of hand hygiene among health profession students 13,14 . There are personal and organizational factors that influence hand hygiene compliance among nurses, such as personal beliefs and knowledge about the impact of hand hygiene on reducing infections, availability of hand hygiene supplies, continuous health education, and supportive organizational management 15 .…”

“…While there is extensive research on Hand Hygiene knowledge, beliefs, and adherence among nursing and medical students, few studies have been conducted with other healthcare students. In addition, little research has been conducted to determine if professional differences are evident in hand hygiene at the undergraduate level 13 . While nurses are well aware of the basic rules of hand hygiene and are willing to put them into practice, the correct technique is performed by only 52% 16 .…”