Factors Influencing Handwashing of Registered Nurses working in the Inpatient Department Building, Phon Thong Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate factors influencing handwashing registered nurses working in inpatient department. The population in this study was registered nurses working in inpatient department in Phon Thong Hospital, Roi Et Province, by dividing to 3 departments; 9 people from surgery department, 9 people from internal medicine department, 11 people from pediatric-gynecology department, 29 people in total. The instrument used in this research was a questionnaire. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson's correlation coefficient. 

The results showed that the occupational hygiene behavior of registered nurses working in the inpatient department was at a high level. When considering the issue, the most common issues were hand washing after blood contact or discharge from the patient's body which may be contaminated with germs, such as secretions, phlegm, feces and urine of patients, and the issue with the least practice was the removal of jewelry before hand washing, such as bracelets, rings, watches, etc. As a result of the analysis of factors affecting handwashing of registered nurses, the perception and beliefs of handwashing had the greatest influence on handwashing of registered nurses. When considering the issue, the most influential was the belief that they were doing well for themselves and the patient, including knowledge and understanding of hand washing. The analysis of factors related to handwashing behaviors of registered nurses working in the In-Patient Department Building in Phon Thong hospital, Roi Et province showed that there were 3 factors that had positive correlation to handwashing behavior; Perception and belief in hand washing, medias about hand washing, and material factors in handwashing.