Assessment of Factors Influencing Surgical Hand Scrubbing Practices Among Surgical Team Members at State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study examines the knowledge, attitude, and practice of surgical hand scrubbing among surgical team members at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria. The primary objective was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors influencing surgical hand scrubbing practices. A descriptive, non-experimental research design was employed, utilizing a self-constructed questionnaire administered to 89 respondents through a face-to-face approach. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23, with results presented in tables and figures. The findings indicate that knowledge of surgical hand scrubbing among the respondents was high (81%), and their attitude and practice were generally positive. However, factors such as overcrowded work environments, insufficient healthcare workers, heavy workload, and a lack of commitment by health facilities towards infection control programs were identified as significant barriers to compliance. Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and practice, years of service and attitude, as well as education level and practice of surgical hand scrubbing. Based on these findings, it is recommended that government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and hospital management provide greater support for operating theaters through workshops, training, and the provision of essential equipment to enhance adherence to surgical hand scrubbing practices among surgical team members.