Abstract
Background: Poor compliance with hand hygiene (HH) is associated with higher rates of hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Aim: to determine HH compliance of intensive care units (ICUs) visitors as well as knowledge of visitors towards HAI. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire to collect demographic data and assess visitors' knowledge regarding HAI. Visitors were also directly observed to assess HH before entering and after exiting ICU. Results: A total of 381 persons participated in this study. Only 25.7% used antiseptic solution before entering the ICU. The mean knowledge score was 5.08+2.09. Most respondents (81.4%) had moderate to high levels of knowledge, while 18.6% had a low level of knowledge. Compliance with HH was significantly associated with male gender (p = 0.009), but not with level of knowledge. The level of knowledge was significantly associated with male gender (p = 0.005) and educational level (p = 0.042). Conclusions: Rate of visitors' compliance with HH was low and was not related to knowledge. Education of visitors about the importance of HH in preventing HAI is required. Reminders of HH should be used.