Background and Objectives: Hand hygiene is considered the most effective measure to prevent and control hospital infections. This study aimed to determine the level of hand hygiene compliance and to compare the level of hand hygiene compliance after implementation of educational interventions in Taleghani hospital in Tabriz.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used in the total of six wards in the hospital. The study sample included different professional groups. The sample size with 95% confidence coefficient and accounting for 10% loss of the samples was calculated 25 people for each group. In total, 300 people (150 for before and 150 for after phase of interventions) by non-probability convenience sampling were selected. The observers noted the number of potential opportunities for hand hygiene and the number of occasions on which hand hygiene was actually taken. Data collection took place over six months during the period of September 2014 to March 2015. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and McNemar test using SPSS 17 Software.

Results: We observed 1465 opportunities for hand hygiene before interventions and 1457 opportunities after interventions. The overall compliance improved progressively from 42.8% to 57.3% (p<0.001). In all of the wards, overall compliance was improved. Statistically significant difference between different professional groups was found. Nurses complied more than physicians. [68% (p<0.001) vs. 59.2%, (P=1.000)].

Conclusion: In this study, educational interventions significantly improved adherence to the hand hygiene protocol. Although some interventions to improve compliance have been successful, none had achieved lasting improvement. Therefore, the necessity of continuous audits and feedback to personnel is recommended.