Hand Hygiene Awareness and Knowledge Among Healthcare Personnel in The Dawadmi Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross- Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Introduction: The outcome of patient care in healthcare settings is influenced predominantly by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene is the single most essential component in avoiding HAIs. Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the awareness and knowledge about hand hygiene among the healthcare personnel in the Dawadmi Region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was carried out between May till September 2021. The tool (Questionnaire) was adopted from World Health Organization's Hand Hygiene Knowledge and awareness Questionnaire (revised in 2009), validated according to CROSS (Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies) check list. Results: A total of 300 participants were randomly enrolled, 60 were nursing assistants, 140 nurses, and 100 residents, were enrolled in this study. With respect to years of experience in hand washing, 123 participants had 1–5 years (41%), 6–10 years (80%), 11–20 years (77%), and greater than 30 years of participation (6.67%). Concerning the education of hand washing and hygiene, training programs were attended by 230 participants (76.67%), and 70 participants (23.33%) did not attend the latest training program conducted by each institution. Most of them (83.33%) were using alcohol for hand hygiene. Conclusions: This study has clearly shown the requirement of an in-depth appraisal of important issues of compliance and patient safety. Educational interventions to recognize the hand hygiene opportunities, improved availability of hand hygiene facilities and multifaceted approach to tackle various barriers (poor attitude, workload, etc) of adherence are needed to be accorded priority. Key words: Awareness, Cross infection, Hand hygiene, Healthcare workers, Knowledge