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COM-B Hand Hygiene Behavior Questionnaire
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About COM-B Hand Hygiene Behavior Questionnaire
Scale Name
COM-B Hand Hygiene Behavior Questionnaire
Author Details
Paul O’Connor and Sinead Lydon
Translation Availability
Not Sure

Background/Description
The COM-B Hand Hygiene Behaviour Questionnaire is designed to assess the behavioral factors influencing hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings. This questionnaire is based on the COM-B Model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour), a theoretical framework widely used to explain behavior change. Hand hygiene is a crucial practice in preventing the spread of infections, especially in healthcare environments.
Although the hand hygiene (HH) procedure is simple, the related behavior is complex and is not readily understood, explained, or changed. Appropriate theories of behavioral change are often not considered in the design and use of assessment tools relating to HH behavior. The COM-B HHB questionnaire is reliable and valid and has the potential to provide data to support the development, and evaluation, of HH interventions that meet the needs of specific healthcare units.
The COM-B model identifies three key factors influencing behavior:
- Capability: The physical and psychological ability to perform hand hygiene.
- Opportunity: External factors that facilitate or hinder hand hygiene behavior.
- Motivation: The internal processes that influence the decision to practice hand hygiene, including habits, beliefs, and attitudes.
This questionnaire provides insights into the reasons for compliance or non-compliance with hand hygiene practices, and it can be used to develop interventions aimed at improving hygiene standards.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Format: The questionnaire contains items divided into sections reflecting the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation).
- Response Format: Participants respond to items on a Likert scale (e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree), assessing their hand hygiene behavior.
- Scoring: Higher scores indicate stronger compliance with hand hygiene behavior, with sub-scores representing Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation.
Reliability and Validity
The COM-B Hand Hygiene Behaviour Questionnaire has been subjected to psychometric evaluations, focusing on its reliability and validity. Studies (under review) have shown that the questionnaire reliably measures the factors that influence hand hygiene practices in healthcare settings. Construct validity was tested against established behavioral measures, indicating the effectiveness of this tool in assessing hand hygiene behavior.
A total of 292 responses to the survey (response rate 41.0%) were included in the analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a 17-item questionnaire. Multiple regression revealed that a model including Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation, was a significant predictor of self-reported Behavioural intention (F(3,209) =22.58, p<0.001). However, the Opportunity factor was not found to make a significant contribution to the regression model. Unit-level comparisons suggested that there may be an overestimation of HH behavior when self-report is compared to direct observation of HH behavior.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Lydon, S., Greally, C., Tujjar, O., Reddy, K., Lambe, K., Madden, C., … & O’Connor, P. (2019). Psychometric evaluation of a measure of factors influencing hand hygiene behaviour to inform intervention. Journal of Hospital Infection, 102(4), 407-412.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the COM-B Hand Hygiene Behaviour Questionnaire?
It assesses factors such as capability, opportunity, and motivation that influence hand hygiene behavior in healthcare settings.
How is the COM-B model applied in this questionnaire?
The questionnaire uses the COM-B model to evaluate the physical and psychological ability, environmental factors, and motivational aspects affecting hand hygiene.
Who should use this questionnaire?
Healthcare professionals, researchers, and organizations aiming to improve hand hygiene practices and reduce infection rates in clinical settings.
Is the COM-B Hand Hygiene Behaviour Questionnaire reliable?
Yes, psychometric evaluations indicate that the questionnaire is reliable in assessing hand hygiene behavior and compliance.
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