“Assessment of Knowledge and practice of hand washing among staff nurses”

Abstract

Hand washing is regarded as the single and the most effective way of controlling health care associated infections. A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and practice of handwashing among staff nurses working in selected units of Bombay Hospital, Indore was conducted with the objectives to assess the level of knowledge of the staff nurses regarding hand washing and to assess the level of practice of staff nurses regarding hand washing. An explorative research approach was used, 50 staff nurses were selected using convenience sampling. Data was collected using structured knowledge questionnaire and observational checklist. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean knowledge score of hand washing among staff nurses was 12.68 which indicates that nurses were having good knowledge regarding hand hygiene. 72 % of staff nurses were in the category of good knowledge score. The mean practice score was 12.8 which indicates that nurses had good practice related to hand washing. 44% were in the category of good practice score.