Background

Hand hygiene has been one of the hottest topics in immunology and control infection, especially during the spread of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the perception level of hand hygiene among nurses and physicians in Jordan. It also explored the differences between them during the spread of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Furthermore, it investigated the potential associations of several demographic factors including gender, age, and site of work on hand hygiene among nurses and physicians.

Methods

The study adopted a cross-sectional comparative study design and it was presented on 183 convenience participants (100 nurses vs 83 physicians). A perception survey by the World Health Organization was used in this study.

Results

Results showed high perception levels of hand hygiene among nurses and physicians during the spread of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Statistical analysis indicated that physicians had significantly higher levels of hand hygiene than nurses. A total score of 46.4% had demonstrated in preventing healthcare-associated infection in a patient’s clinical outcome among both professions. Age was found to be associated with the perception level of hand hygiene among both professions whereas gender and site of work were not found to be associated with the perception level of hand hygiene in both professions.

Conclusion and Implications to Nursing

physicians had higher levels of hand hygiene than nurses during the spread of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. More formal educational sessions on hand hygiene should be provided to prevent healthcare-associated infection and to promote clinical outcomes.