The Effect of Nurses’ Hand Hygiene Compliance on Nosocomial Infection Rates at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
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Background of the Study
Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), remain a major challenge in healthcare settings, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Hand hygiene is widely recognized as the most effective measure for preventing HAIs, yet compliance among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, remains suboptimal (WHO, 2024). Nurses, due to their frequent patient interactions, are at high risk of transmitting infections if proper hand hygiene practices are not followed. Despite the availability of hand hygiene guidelines, compliance rates among nurses in many healthcare facilities, including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, remain below recommended standards (Eze et al., 2024).
Several studies have established a strong correlation between hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection rates. Poor hand hygiene practices contribute to the spread of pathogens such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and other multidrug-resistant organisms (Okeke & Ibrahim, 2023). While interventions such as hand hygiene training, availability of alcohol-based hand rubs, and institutional policies aim to improve compliance, various challenges including heavy workloads, lack of hand hygiene facilities, and non-adherence to protocols persist (Usman & Bello, 2025).
This study aims to examine the effect of nurses’ hand hygiene compliance on nosocomial infection rates at ABUTH, Zaria. By evaluating the relationship between adherence to hand hygiene practices and infection rates, the findings will contribute to strategies for reducing HAIs in Nigerian healthcare settings.
Statement of the Problem
Nosocomial infections remain a significant health burden in Nigerian hospitals, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. Despite strong evidence linking hand hygiene compliance to reduced nosocomial infections, compliance rates among nurses remain inadequate at ABUTH, Zaria. Studies have shown that when hand hygiene compliance rates exceed 70%, nosocomial infection rates decline significantly (WHO, 2023). However, barriers such as limited resources, time constraints, and poor monitoring mechanisms continue to hinder adherence.
Understanding the effect of nurses’ hand hygiene compliance on nosocomial infection rates is crucial in addressing this challenge. If poor compliance persists, infection rates will remain high, jeopardizing patient safety. This study will assess the level of nurses’ hand hygiene compliance and its direct impact on nosocomial infection rates, providing evidence for targeted interventions.
Objectives of the Study
1. To determine the level of nurses’ hand hygiene compliance at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.
2. To examine the relationship between hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection rates.
3. To identify challenges affecting nurses’ adherence to hand hygiene protocols.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses’ hand hygiene compliance at ABUTH, Zaria?
2. How does hand hygiene compliance affect nosocomial infection rates?
3. What are the challenges preventing nurses from maintaining proper hand hygiene?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: There is no significant relationship between nurses’ hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection rates.
2. H₀: Improving hand hygiene compliance does not significantly reduce nosocomial infection rates.
3. H₀: Institutional and personal barriers do not significantly affect nurses’ hand hygiene compliance.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on nurses at ABUTH, Zaria, examining their hand hygiene compliance and its impact on nosocomial infections. Limitations include possible underreporting of infections, self-reported compliance bias, and external factors influencing infection rates.
Definition of Terms
• Hand Hygiene Compliance: The extent to which healthcare workers adhere to recommended handwashing protocols.
• Nosocomial Infection: An infection acquired in a hospital setting.
• Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs):Infections occurring in patients receiving medical treatment in a hospital or healthcare facility.
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