ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES AND PERCEIVED CHALLENGES REGARDING HAND HYGIENE REPORTED BY NURSES AT DIR DHQ HOSPITAL DIR UPPER

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene is a critical measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections and ensure patient safety. Despite global guidelines, compliance among nurses remains suboptimal, often due to knowledge gaps, workload, and institutional barriers. Understanding nurses’ knowledge, practices, and perceived challenges is essential to design effective interventions.

Aim: The study aimed to assess knowledge, self-reported hand hygiene practices, and perceived barriers among nurses working at DHQ Hospital Dir Upper, Pakistan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The total population of 60 nurses was included using a universal sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire based on WHO hand hygiene guidelines. The questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge assessment, self-reported practices, and perceived challenges. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized frequencies, percentages, and means, while Chi-square tests explored associations between demographic/professional variables and knowledge or practices. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Most nurses were aged 20–39 years (83.4%) and female (60%). Two-thirds (66.7%) had received formal hand hygiene training in the past two years. Knowledge of WHO hand hygiene guidelines was moderate, with gaps in correct hand rubbing duration and frequently missed hand areas. Self-reported compliance was highest after exposure to body fluids (75%) and lower in routine care, such as after touching patient surroundings (41.7%). Barriers included heavy workload (66.7%), limited availability of hand hygiene supplies (58.3%), and insufficient institutional support.

Conclusion: While nurses demonstrated moderate knowledge, adherence to hand hygiene practices was inconsistent, influenced by workload and resource-related barriers. Continuous training, improved resource availability, and supportive institutional policies are recommended to enhance compliance and reduce healthcare-associated infections.