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Aim and objective: To explore what is known about knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that influence hand hygiene practices in in low‐ and middle‐income Caribbean and Latin American countries. Background: With the emergence of infectious diseases such as the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, handwashing is key to preventing communicable diseases as they disproportionately affect populations in low‐income countries. While hand hygiene is known to be the single most effective method for avoiding the transmission of infection, little is known about the beliefs and practices of individuals in these regions. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 Checklist, an integrative review of studies published from 2008–2020 was conducted (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses). Whittemore and Knafl's method was used to review the literature. Six databases were searched, and the Johns Hopkins Evidence Based Rating Scale was used for study appraisal. Results: The review yielded 18 studies conducted across Latin America. Poor handwashing practices are influenced by various factors including inadequate education and training, cultural beliefs, lack of resources and substandard government regulations. Communicable diseases and other diarrheal illnesses were highly prevalent, especially after a major disease outbreak. Conclusion: Future post‐disaster campaigns aimed at improving hand hygiene and handwashing practices should focus on beliefs and attitudes to affect behaviour change since there was a higher disease susceptibility during those times. Barriers to proper hand hygiene include false attitudes such as, washing hands only after touching bodily fluids/patient contact or not washing hands at all after open defecation. Relevance to clinical practice: Researchers working with populations in Latin America and the Caribbean should partner with local community health workers to improve compliance to recommended hand hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To identify and describe published, nursing‐led and midwifery‐led, clinical research that has been conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean. Background: Peer‐reviewed published research may correspond to and elucidate country's realities, priorities, and needs. Design: A 6‐stage scoping review methodology was used to search scientific databases using an applied search strategy. Data Sources: Five databases were searched for articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese conducted in a Latin American or Caribbean country between January 1, 2006 and June 14, 2016. Review Methods: Articles were independently considered for inclusion by 2 researchers, data extracted, and study characteristics described. Results: Of 6922 articles identified, 404 were included. The majority were conducted in Brazil (90.6%) followed by Chile (2.5%). Most were nurse‐led (95.8%) and were implemented in hospitals (48.6%). Studies frequently explored patient knowledge or characterized patient populations (61.3%) and commonly assessed chronic disease (19.3%) or maternity/child health outcomes (15.9%). Conclusion: Findings revealed a large number of publications but an uneven geographical distribution of nurse‐led clinical research and an evident gap of midwifery‐related research in Latin America and the Caribbean. Results may be used to build research agendas to promote nursing and midwifery research capacity and further establish evidence‐based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]