A Study on the Effectiveness of Hand Hygiene Practices Among Nursing Students in Preventing Hospital Infections

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a critical challenge in healthcare, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Nursing students, as future healthcare professionals, play a pivotal role in infection prevention through adherence to hand hygiene protocols. This study evaluates the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices among nursing students in preventing HAIs. Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed compliance rates, knowledge levels, and barriers to hand hygiene among 200 nursing students across three Indian nursing colleges. Findings revealed high knowledge levels (92% awareness of protocols) contrasted by variable compliance rates (45–78%), influenced by barriers such as time constraints, inadequate facilities, and insufficient training. A structured intervention, including training workshops and improved access to hand sanitizers, increased compliance by 25% over six months. The study highlights the need for targeted educational programs and infrastructural enhancements to bolster hand hygiene practices, thereby reducing HAIs.