DefinePK

Abstract

Hand hygiene compliance among nurses is a critical component in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in high-risk settings such as emergency departments (EDs). This study investigates the factors influencing hand hygiene adherence among nurses working in the emergency departments of tertiary hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. Employing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 132 nurses through a structured questionnaire. Key findings indicate that while the majority of nurses are aware of WHO guidelines for hand hygiene, adherence is hindered by institutional, individual, and systemic challenges.
Among the barriers, inadequate resources were identified as the most significant, reported by 45% of respondents, followed by insufficient training (32%), and heavy workload (21%). A considerable proportion (79%) of nurses reported not having received training on hand hygiene in the last six months, further highlighting a gap in ongoing professional development—additionally, 51% experienced skin irritation from hand hygiene products, indicating a need for hypoallergenic alternatives.
The study also revealed discrepancies in compliance patterns, with 39% of nurses washing their hands fewer than five times during an 8-hour shift. Despite these challenges, 94% of respondents acknowledged the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing HAIs, underscoring the potential for improvement with targeted interventions.
The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address resource allocation, enhance training programs, and improve institutional policies for hand hygiene. Recommendations include integrating regular training sessions, increasing accessibility to hand hygiene resources, and fostering a culture of accountability within emergency departments. Addressing these challenges is imperative for reducing HAIs, improving patient outcomes, and promoting a safer healthcare environment.
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on hand hygiene practices in resource-constrained settings and highlights actionable steps for improving compliance among emergency department nurses in Pakistan.