Intervention on knowledge and perception of hand hygiene among healthcare workers

Abstract Background Many studies conducted in healthcare settings with limited resources reported healthcare associated infections (HAIs) rates higher than in developed countries. Hand hygiene is considered as the most effective procedure for reducing infection in a wide variety of settings. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve knowledge and perception of hand hygiene among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods We conducted a prospective before-and-after study design in university hospital Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia, from January 2015 to December 2016. The same questionnaire, constructed by the WHO was distributed and collected at HCWs’ workplace. Results A total of 149 and 146 HCWs were enrolled, respectively at pre and post intervention. The majority was nursed women aged between 20 and 35 in pre intervention, whereas in post intervention the majority where physicians. Globally, our results showed tendencies toward improvement, but only two items were significant: the HW is the appropriate technique after injury (73.5% vs 86.8%; p = 0.006) and the hands of HCWs are the lead vehicle of HAIs (65.1% vs 83.6%; p = 0.01). On the other hand, judging by the HCWs’ responses, the probably most effective intervention to enhance hand hygiene compliance was that an alcohol-based hand-rub is available at each point of patient care. In contrast, empowering patients to remind HCWs to perform hand hygiene was mostly rated to be the least effective intervention both in pre and post intervention. Conclusions Our intervention to positively influence hand hygiene knowledge was unfortunately less effective than we had hoped it would be, which suggests a HCWs’ reluctance to attend the training program. Key messages Hand hygiene is considered as the most effective procedure for reducing nosocomial infection. the intervention to positively influence hand hygiene knowledge was effective.