Investigating the Factors Affecting the Hand Hygiene Compliance from the Viewpoints of Iranian Nurses Who Work in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Hospital infections are known as one of the most important risk factors in health care units and the hand hygiene is the first step in controlling these infections. Considering the importance of hand hygiene in reducing hospital infections, especially in intensive care units (ICUs), this study aimed to determine the factors affecting on compliance of hand hygiene among the ICU nurses in educational hospitals of Tabriz in Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 200 nurses working in ICU of educational hospitals in Tabriz. Sampling method determined the sample size and a 29-item researcher-made tool helped to collect data on demographic characteristics of nurses and organizational factors as self-report. The software SPSS 21 was used for descriptive analysis and statistics. Results: The results of this study showed that majority of nurses’ viewpoint as an individual was affirmative by indicating: “positive effects of hand hygiene on reducing the incidence of hospital infections”, “skin irritation from repeated hand washes”, and “wearing gloves instead of using hygiene solution”. The nurses’ viewpoint on the organizational factors, distinguished: “working in ICU with simultaneous care of several patients”; "the type of hand washing solution used in the hospital”; “the availability of hand washing solutions at all times”; “the correct sink location”; “continuing education and retrain for ICU nurses”; “caring for isolated patients”, and “administrative support and their encouragement is effective for hand hygiene compliance”. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the level of hand hygiene compliance among the healthcare personnel who working in ICU, are associated with several personal and organizational factors. These results can facilitate institutional application of more effective hand hygiene procedures in ICU by specialized nurses and reduce the hospital infection rates.