HAND HYGIENE COMPLIANCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN HEALTH FACILITIES OF BEDENO AND GOLA ODA DISTRICT OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to pathogens through contact with patients, body fluids, contaminated surfaces, waste, mucous membranes, and even their own skin, making their hands a major vehicle for the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Hand hygiene is essential for reducing healthcare-associated infections and preventing antimicrobial resistance, yet adherence remains low worldwide, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia due to limited resources and poor guideline adherence. Despite ongoing training efforts, evidence on actual compliance levels and influencing factors is limited, highlighting the need for further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of hand hygiene compliance and its associated factors among healthcare workers in health facilities in Bedeno and Gola Oda district, Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia. Objective: To assess hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in health facilities in Bedeno and Gola Oda District, Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia, from March 15 to December 3, 2025 Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers in health facilities in Bedeno and Gola Oda Districts, Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 400 study participants were randomly selected using random sampling techniques, proportionally drawn from hospitals and health centers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association between the outcome variable and independent variables. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed to measure the strength of associations, and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. Results: A total of 392 healthcare workers participated in the study with a response rate of 98%. Out of 392 study healthcare workers participants the hand hygiene compliance of HCWs was 27.79% [95% CI: 26.60–28.98]. Healthcare workers who received hand hygiene training were more likely to comply than those without training (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.40–3.62). Those who practiced proper hand hygiene also had higher compliance (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05–3.10). The availability of handwashing facilities at the workplace was linked to increased compliance (AOR =1.76, 95% CI: 1.38–3.83). Participants with adequate knowledge of hand hygiene had greater odds of compliance than those with xi | P a g e inadequate knowledge (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.14–2.94). Healthcare workers with a positive attitude toward hand hygiene were significantly more likely to comply (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.07–5.98). Were all associated with hand hygiene compliance. Conclusion: The overall level of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare providers was poor, with factors significantly associated including receiving training on hand hygiene, practicing proper hand hygiene, availability of handwashing facilities at the workplace, adequate knowledge, and a positive attitude toward hand hygiene. The study suggests that the policy makers and health stakeholders need to come up with a strategy that ensures that the health care workers adhere to hand hygiene standards and ensure adequate provision of hand hygiene facilities.