Barriers and Enablers to Implementing Respiratory Hygiene Practices in Clinical Settings

Background: Respiratory hygiene functions as an essential method to stop infectious disease transmission in healthcare facilities where healthcare professionals (HCPs) encounter respiratory pathogens frequently. Objectives: The research studied the main factors impacting respiratory hygiene practice adoption among physicians operating at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital and M Abdur Rahim Medical College and Hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used for a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 285 physicians to evaluate their knowledge of infection prevention and control guidelines, as well as their compliance behaviors, and identify key factors that can improve adoption. A chi-square analysis technique evaluated the connections between compliance levels and different predictive elements. Results: The study found lack of PPE at 74.2% and inadequate training at 65.0%, and high patient workload at 57.5% were the three biggest obstacles preventing compliance among healthcare workers. Improved hygiene practices received their main enablers through PPE availability (80.0%), regular training (70.8%), and clear institutional policies (60.8%). Statistical analysis using p<0.001 showed a strong correlation between compliance and factors, including awareness of guidelines and institutional support problems, and supervision and training (p<0.001). Healthcare providers with more work experience demonstrated higher levels of hygiene compliance according to statistical results (p=0.031). Conclusion: The data emphasizes the strong necessity for comprehensive institutional approaches that build workforce capabilities and allocate necessary resources to spread respiratory hygiene practices in Bangladeshi healthcare facilities.