Hospital Healthcare Worker Clothes Uses Compared to the Infection Control Guidelines

Background: Hospital clothing can inadvertently be a vector for harmful microbes, spreading pathogens through direct contact or airborne particles when clothes are touched or disturbed. Contaminated linens and clothing not only place patients at risk but also threaten the safety of healthcare workers. The current study compares the daily use of healthcare workers’ hospital clothes according to the infection prevention and control guidelines. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 healthcare staff providing medical care to patients in Raparin province, Iraq healthcare settings. The study was carried out from 4th November 2023 to 20th January 2024. Participants were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 to generate descriptive statistics. Results: The results indicated that, among the participants, just 27 (6%) did not utilize a designated work attire, whereas 287 (63.8%) donned scrubs and 136 (30.2%) wore a white coat. Utilized clothes were stored at home by 194 (43.1%) people, while 230 (56.9%) utilized a dedicated cabinet. The healthcare workers who changed clothes at home before going to work were (252, 56%) and after work (198 (44%). Conclusion: The study determined that the majority of healthcare professionals in the Raparin province utilize special clothes for their hospital duties, possessing multiple sets in various colors for everyday use. Contrary to established guidlines, many healthcare workers change their hospital wear at home.