Background of the Study
Hand hygiene is one of the most fundamental and effective methods for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Nurses, who have direct contact with patients and their environments, play a crucial role in ensuring that appropriate hand hygiene practices are followed. However, despite the widespread knowledge about the importance of hand hygiene, studies indicate that healthcare workers, including nurses, often fail to consistently adhere to recommended hand hygiene practices (Olufemi et al., 2023). Poor compliance with hand hygiene protocols has been associated with an increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates.
In Katsina State, healthcare facilities face significant challenges in terms of resources, staff training, and the availability of hand hygiene supplies. While there are national and international guidelines for hand hygiene, the level of knowledge and adherence to these guidelines by nurses in Katsina State is not well-documented. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding hand hygiene in Katsina State, with a focus on identifying gaps in knowledge and areas where improvements can be made to enhance infection control efforts.
Statement of the Problem
In Katsina State, the level of knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among nurses remains a concern, with insufficient adherence to standard protocols. This failure to consistently practice hand hygiene contributes to the transmission of infections within healthcare settings. The reasons for this non-compliance could include lack of awareness, insufficient access to hand hygiene facilities, or competing priorities during patient care. This study seeks to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding hand hygiene in Katsina State, aiming to identify barriers and recommend solutions for improving compliance.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of knowledge of hand hygiene practices among nurses in Katsina State.
2. To evaluate the adherence of nurses to hand hygiene protocols in Katsina State.
3. To identify factors influencing nurses’ practices regarding hand hygiene in Katsina State and suggest strategies for improvement.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of knowledge regarding hand hygiene among nurses in Katsina State?
2. To what extent do nurses in Katsina State adhere to hand hygiene protocols?
3. What factors affect the hand hygiene practices of nurses in Katsina State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in Katsina State have inadequate knowledge of proper hand hygiene practices.
2. Nurses in Katsina State do not consistently adhere to hand hygiene protocols due to environmental and personal factors.
3. Improving access to hand hygiene supplies and providing regular training will significantly improve hand hygiene practices among nurses in Katsina State.
Definitions of Terms
• Hand Hygiene: The practice of cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses, preventing the spread of infections.
• Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Infections acquired by patients during their stay in a healthcare facility.
• Nursing Practice: The roles and responsibilities of nurses in delivering patient care, including infection prevention and patient safety.
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