Compliance to personal hygiene habits in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Mohammad Y. Alzaatreh; Huthaifah Khrais; Mohammad R. Alsadi; Obay A. Al-Maraira

doi:10.5055/jem.0782

Authors

Mohammad Y. Alzaatreh, RN, MSc, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0183-3058
Huthaifah Khrais, RN, PhD
Mohammad R. Alsadi, RN, PhD
Obay A. Al-Maraira, RN, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0782

Keywords:

coronavirus disease 2019, compliance, personal hygiene habits, public health, Jordan

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the Jordanians’ compliance rates in terms of personal hygiene habits in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized to collect data from 651 Jordanians via an electronic self-report questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software

Results: The overall compliance rate for personal hygiene habits among Jordanians was 79 percent (11.85/15, SD = 9). Personal hygiene practices differ significantly across age groups (F = 2, 89, p = .04), gender (t = 5.18, p = .003), marital status (F = 3.09, p = .029), and being a member of a healthcare specialty (t = −2.20, p = .028). Gender, educational level, occupation, and living place were statistically significant predictors for compliance with personal hygiene habits. Compliance rates increased drastically (82 percent) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: Compliance with personal hygiene habits among Jordanians was encouraging in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, there is a chance for more improvement to reach optimum levels of safe and healthy personal hygiene habits. Healthcare authorities shall adopt change management programs and theories to target personal hygiene habits where opportunities for improvement are found.

Author Biographies

Mohammad Y. Alzaatreh, RN, MSc, PhD

Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, German Jordanian University, Amman, Jordan

Huthaifah Khrais, RN, PhD

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Zarqa University, Amman, Jordan

Mohammad R. Alsadi, RN, PhD

Assistant Professor, Nursing Administration & Education Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia

Obay A. Al-Maraira, RN, PhD

Assistant Professor, Vision Medical College, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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