Infection Control: Hand Hygiene Practices among Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Benha University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene is abasic strategy in all infection control programs. Poor hand-hygiene practices are the cause of 40% of hospital-acquired infections; however,the implementation of proper practical nursing skills can help prevent these infections. Objectives:The aim of the work wasto investigate the availability of hand-hygiene equipment and suppliesat the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Benha University Hospital, to assessthe hand-washing practices among nurses working on this unit, and to determine the factors underlying improper hand-hygiene practices. Subjects and methods:This observational cross-sectional study included 28 nurses working at the NICU, Department of Pediatrics,Benha University Hospital.Data were collected using a questionnaire sheet consisting of two parts; the first included socio-demographic data and the second included the observational checklist of hand-hygiene equipment, supplies, and practices according to the infection control assessment tool (ICAT). Results:The results showed that 7.1% of the studied nurses fell under class A, in which the recommended hand-hygiene practices are followed accurately, whereas 75% fell under class B, where standard practices are usually followed, and 17.9% fell under class C, in which training, close observation, and follow-up on standard practices are recommended.A significant associations (P<0.05) were found between proper hand-hygiene practices of nurses and both the institute from which they graduated and the completion of previous training courses on infection control. Conclusion:It could be concluded thathand hygiene compliance among health care providers in our local environment was poor. Further educational and training courses are needed.