Predictors of hand hygiene attitudes among Saudi healthcare workers of the intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Healthcare-associated infections present a challenge to healthcare systems, particularly critical care units. Hand hygiene emerges as a crucial element in infection control, acting as a vital link between healthcare workers, patients, and pathogens. Positive attitudes, motivated by a genuine concern for patient safety, are recognized as major predictors of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. This study aims to assess the attitudes of ICU staff toward hand hygiene and identify factors that influence these attitudes. A cross-sectional survey of intensive care unit staff in seven large Saudi hospitals was conducted using an anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire to examine the attitudes of ICU personnel about hand hygiene and determine the factors that impact these attitudes. A regression analysis was used to determine the determinants of hand hygiene attitudes. Of the 600 respondents, 93% rated their hand hygiene knowledge as good, and 71% received hand hygiene training from their hospital. Most respondents (78%) had previously experienced healthcare-associated infections. The majority reported a favorable overall attitude toward hand hygiene (M = 4.15, SD = 0.85). Attitudes toward hand hygiene were significantly associated with perceived knowledge (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), prior hand hygiene training (β = 0.13, p < 0.05), and years of experience (β = - 0.10, p < 0.05). Healthcare workers in the ICU have a generally positive attitude toward hand hygiene. Such attitudes were correlated with hand hygiene knowledge, prior training, and job experience. The study's findings can help to inform health promotion initiatives and campaigns aimed at achieving long-term improvements in hand hygiene behaviors.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Norah Alhodaithy, Salah Alshagrawi
Institutions: King Fahd Medical City, Saudi Electronic University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
OpenAlex ID: W4401909424