Assessing Compliance with Hand Hygiene Practices in Healthcare Settings in Benin: a Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Infection Prevention and Control
• Public Health
• Healthcare Professional Education

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections pose significant risks, especially in maternity and neonatology.
• Effective hand hygiene is critical for preventing these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare professionals in Benin.
• To identify hygiene deficiencies contributing to maternal and neonatal infections.

Main Methods:

• A survey using the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) assessed knowledge.
• Compliance was observed across six healthcare centers involving 159 professionals.
• Trained IPC professionals monitored adherence during the five WHO moments.

Main Results:

• Most professionals (≥65%) demonstrated good hand hygiene knowledge.
• Overall compliance exceeded 50%, with doctors showing higher adherence (100% before patient contact).
• No statistically significant differences in compliance were found across gender, department, or qualification (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight areas for improvement in hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals.
• Results will inform targeted training programs to enhance compliance.
• Improved practices are expected to reduce maternal and neonatal infections and improve outcomes.