Abstract
Background: Hand hygiene is a critical preventive measure in healthcare, reducing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Despite its importance, compliance among healthcare workers remains inconsistent, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, practice, attitude, and compliance towards hand hygiene among healthcare workers in Oluku community, Benin City.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 healthcare workers from public and private facilities in Oluku community. Data was collected using structured questionnaires addressing knowledge, practice, compliance, and factors influencing hand hygiene. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The study included 116 healthcare workers, with females comprising 65.5% and the majority aged between 31–40 years (40.5%). Knowledge of hand hygiene was high, with 81.0% demonstrating good knowledge, predominantly obtained through workshops (85.3%). Good hand hygiene practices were reported by 85.3%, with 54.3% consistently adhering to the WHO’s five moments of hand hygiene. Compliance was highest after exposure to body fluids (93.1%) and lowest before patient interaction (50.9%). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers were regularly used by 87.9%, and 94.0% washed hands with soap and water. Factors affecting compliance included the unavailability of soap (59.5%), lack of reminders (57.8%), and busy schedules (51.7%). Public facility workers exhibited higher adherence compared to private facility workers (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study revealed good knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among healthcare workers in Oluku community, but compliance with key protocols was suboptimal. Addressing barriers could enhance adherence and reduce HCAIs.
Keywords: Hand hygiene, healthcare workers, compliance, infection prevention, resource constraints
