ORIGINAL PAPER. Assessing Healthcare Associated Infections and Hand Hygiene Perceptions amongst Healthcare Professionals.

Health care associated infection is associated with increase morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay, increased health care costs, and antibiotic resistance in both acute and long term care facilities. Hand hygiene, such as hand washing and hand rub, has been the cornerstone of infection prevention and control measures in reducing HCAIs. The aim of the study is to assess the perception towards hand hygiene amongst healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses in the Ministry of Interior Security hospital, Saudi Arabia. A descriptive survey using a modified World Health Organization (revised 2009) questionnaire was used to gather data. A total of 87 respondents participated in the study. Results showed that respondents (27.6%) are aware that health care associated infection has an impact on patient outcome (X²= 46.5; p < 0.05), hospitalized patient will likely develop HCAIs (X2= 50.4; p < 0.05), and hand hygiene remains to be the single and most effective method against HCAIs (X²= 52.2; p < 0.05). Respondents reported a high self-efficacy (X ²= 127.3; p < 0.05) in performing hand hygiene. Organizational factors such as staff engagement, commitment of the department heads and leadership are perceived to be significant in promoting hand hygiene practices. Strategies such as provision of access to hand hygiene facilities, guidelines, education and training, positive role modeling are effective. In conclusion, the findings suggest that health care workers have a high level of awareness about health care associated infections and the importance of hand hygiene. Furthermore, assessment of knowledge thru self-report is not enough to determine compliance of hand hygiene practices. Observational studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]