Hand hygiene (HH) is the single most important measure in reducing the burden of healthcare-acquired infections. Based on 12,740 HH opportunities observed during 6 consecutive years at our tertiary care center, HH adherence among healthcare workers (HCWs) was significantly better during influenza season compared to non-influenza periods, after controlling for important covariables (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.30). This finding suggests that HH awareness is increased during influenza periods, which could have implications for HCW education.
Keywords: Adherence; Education; Hand hygiene; Healthcare workers; Influenza season.
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