Investigating Jordanian nurses' handwashing beliefs, attitudes, and compliance.

Background: Low rates of handwashing compliance among nurses are still reported in literature. Handwashing beliefs and attitudes were found to correlate and predict handwashing practices. However, such an important field is not fully explored in Jordan.

Objectives: This study aims at exploring Jordanian nurses' handwashing beliefs, attitudes, and compliance and examining the predictors of their handwashing compliance.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey design was used to collect data from registered nurses and nursing assistants (N = 198) who were providing care to patients in governmental hospitals in Jordan. Data collection took place over 3 months during the period of February 2011 to April 2011 using the Handwashing Assessment Inventory.

Results: Participants' mean score of handwashing compliance was 74.29%. They showed positive attitudes but seemed to lack knowledge concerning handwashing. Analysis revealed a 5-predictor model, which accounted for 37.5% of the variance in nurses' handwashing compliance. Nurses' beliefs relatively had the highest prediction effects (β = .309, P < .01), followed by skin assessment (β = .290, P < .01).

Conclusion: Jordanian nurses reported moderate handwashing compliance and were found to lack knowledge concerning handwashing protocols, for which education programs are recommended. This study raised the awareness regarding the importance of complying with handwashing protocols.