Knowledge, perception, performance, and attitude regarding hand hygiene and related factors among infection control nurses in South Korea: A cross-sectional study

HIGHLIGHTS • Infection control nurses have greater hand hygiene knowledge than registered nurses. • Perception, attitude, and role model scores positively correlate. • Hygiene perception, attitude, and role models correlate with hygiene performance.
Background We assessed the current status of knowledge, perception, attitude, and role model regarding hand hygiene (HH) among infection control nurses (ICNs) and identified the factors influencing these variables. Methods A structured questionnaire was adapted from a World Health Organization survey. Data were collected from November 8, 2017, to February 2, 2018. Results ICNs showed the following scores (mean ± SD): knowledge (19.5 ± 2.3), perception (69.9 ± 8.9), attitude (46.9 ± 5.8), and role model (39.2 ± 6.0). HH performance of health care workers (HCWs) was 75.2 ± 15.5. Mean HH performance scores of HCWs (P = .007) differed significantly according to infection control experience (3 groups: ≤12 months, 13-24 months, >24 months). Perception, attitude, and role model scores showed positive correlations with each other (P < .01). The regression model for HH performance of HCWs was calculated as follows: Y1 = 31.638 + 0.067X1 (perception of ICNs) + 0.133X2 (attitude of ICNs) + 0.825X3 (role model of ICNs) (P < .001; adjusted R2 = 0.115). Discussion Perception, attitude, and role model scores of ICNs were significant predictors of HH performance of HCWs. Conclusions Specialized well-structured HH education programs should be developed for ICNs that will help improve HH performance of HCWs.