Knowledge of caregivers about the importance of handwashing in hospital-acquired infection control

Objective: to assess the knowledge of caregivers about the importance of handwashing in hospital-acquired infection control. Method: a descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted at Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital, with 15 caregivers, using the criterion of saturation of the sample. Semistructured interviews were conducted, data was analysed according to the technique of thematic technique of content analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital, under CAAE 0048.0.106.000-11. Results: most were women, aged between 21 and 73 years, and related to the patients. Analysis of the responses revealed three themes: knowledge about infection prevention; limitations of the educational role of health professionals: challenges in the hospital routine; and the caregivers’ allegations for practicing handwashing. Conclusion: the caregivers had prior knowledge about handwashing, using media reports and previous experiences as caregivers as a source of information. Descriptores: Hospital-Acquired Infection; Handwashing; Health Services; Health Education; Continuing Education In Nursing.