Perceived Effectiveness of Hand Practice in Reducing Hospital Acquired Infections among Health Professionals in Abia State Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, Nigeria

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where suboptimal hand hygiene (HH) practices among health professionals contribute significantly to transmission. This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed the level of knowledge of health professionals regarding hand hygiene practices and their role in preventing HAIs, evaluated their perceived effectiveness of HH in reducing HAIs, and identified factors influencing compliance at Abia State Specialist Hospital, Umuahia. A total of 212 health professionals were selected through multistage sampling (stratified and convenience) from a target population of 450. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured, close-ended questionnaire divided into four sections: socio-demographics and three Likert-scale domains (4-point scale: Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree). Analysis was performed using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores (High ≥3.0, Moderate 2.50–2.99, Low <2.50).Results revealed a high level of knowledge (overall mean = 3.15 ± 0.72), with strong awareness of the role of hands in germ transmission and HH benefits for patients and workers. Perceived effectiveness was also high (overall mean = 3.19 ± 0.78), as most respondents viewed HH as highly effective in reducing HAIs and improving patient safety. However, compliance was strongly influenced by barriers such as lack of water and soap (mean = 3.22), high workload (mean = 3.17), and unavailability of alcohol-based hand rub at point of care (mean = 3.15). Training and reminders emerged as key facilitators.These findings indicate a favourable knowledge-perception profile but persistent infrastructural and systemic barriers, consistent with patterns in other Nigerian tertiary hospitals. The study recommends urgent implementation of the WHO Multimodal Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy, including reliable supplies, practical training, monitoring, and leadership commitment to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and reduce HAIs in the facility.