The Proportions of Registered Nurses of Inpatient Wards of Srinagarind Hospital Towards all Five Moments for Hand Hygiene

Abstract

Background and objectives: It is proposed that Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are stupendously caused by poor hand hygiene. Worldwide hand hygiene compliance according to five moments for hand hygiene is less than 40%. In Srinagarind hospital, there is no study in nurses to date. The objectives were to examine 1) the proportions of registered nurses of inpatient wards of Srinagarind hospital about hand hygiene compliance; 2) the proportions of the most ignored moment for hand hygiene; and 3) the reasons for hand hygiene ignorance.

Method: Descriptive study. The enrolled study population was comprised of 676 registered nurses in inpatient wards of Srinagarind Hospital. The self-administered questionnaires were collected. The personal data, compliance for hand hygiene and reasons for hand hygiene ignorance were analyzed

Results: The response rate was 64.9% (439/676). The proportion of registered nurse in all five moments compliance obtained from this questionnaire-based study was 48.8% (95%CI: 43.4, 53.4). Nevertheless, the proportion of those who performed hand hygiene which met the acceptable criterion of Srinagarind hospital was 83.0%. Before touching the patients was the most ignored moment (56.1%). Furthermore, too many times for hand washing (49.3%) was the most common reason for ignorance, followed by forgetfulness (33.6%) and skin intolerability (32.6%).

Conclusion: Half of registered nurses of Srinagarind hospital performed all indicated five moments for hand hygiene. Before touching the patients was the most ignored moment. And factors negatively influencing hand hygiene compliance, mostly too many times for hand washing, were needed to be improved.