Hand Washing Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Tertiary Healthcare Workers in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Handwashing is essential for limiting healthcare-associated infection transmission, yet differences may persist between healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and routine practice. Aims: This study assessed handwashing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and associated barriers among healthcare workers at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 270 healthcare workers selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected in August 2022 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Results: All 270 questionnaires were returned. The mean age of respondents was 29.6 years. Good handwashing knowledge was demonstrated by 61.1% of respondents, and the overall attitude grand mean was 3.34. However, 57.4% had poor handwashing practice, and only 35.2% consistently followed the WHO-recommended handwashing steps. Nearly half of respondents (48.1%) reported substituting hand sanitiser for handwashing. The principal barriers were empty soap dispensers (70.4%), inadequate clean water supply (62.6%), forgetfulness (55.6%), glove use (44.4%), insufficient hand-drying materials (42.6%), and busy work schedules (42.2%). Age was significantly associated with attitude towards handwashing, although the association was small. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes were generally favourable, but practice remained inadequate. Reliable supplies, accessible facilities, regular training, reminders, feedback, and compliance monitoring are needed to support sustained handwashing practice.