Religious influences on infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings: A scoping review

Matt Mason; Jacinta Wakefield; Vanessa Sparke; Jocelyne Basseal; Peta-Anne Zimmerman

doi:10.1016/j.idh.2025.02.004

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Religious influences on infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings: A scoping review

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Religious influences on infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings: A scoping review

Matt Mason, Jacinta Wakefield, Vanessa Sparke, Jocelyne Basseal and Peta-Anne Zimmerman

Infection, Disease & Health, Vol.30(3), pp.234-247

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idh.2025.02.004

PMID: 40082194

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Abstract

Infection prevention and control (IPC)

Religion

Healthcare- associated infections

Hand hygiene

Bare below the elbow

Background Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant global health challenge. While evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions are widely implemented, their implementation may be influenced by religious factors. This scoping review aimed to examine the religious factors that influence IPC practices among healthcare providers. Method A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Emcare, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Given the anticipated paucity of literature, there were no date limiters. Articles demonstrating a direct relationship between religion and IPC practices in healthcare settings were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed independently by multiple researchers. Results Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Three main themes emerged: 1) religious rituals and influence, 2) use of alcohol, and 3) “bare below the elbows” principle. Religious practices were found to act as both enablers and barriers to IPC compliance. The use of alcohol-based hand rubs presented challenges for some religious groups, while religious dress codes conflicted with the “bare below the elbows” principle. Conclusion This review highlights the complex interplay between religion and IPC practices. Findings suggest the need for culturally sensitive IPC strategies that respect religious beliefs while maintaining effective IPC measures. Further research is needed to develop inclusive policies and educational programs that address these religious factors in healthcare settings.

Details

Title: Religious influences on infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings: A scoping review
Authors: Matt Mason (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nursing
Jacinta Wakefield (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
Vanessa Sparke (Author) - James Cook University
Jocelyne Basseal (Author) - The University of Sydney
Peta-Anne Zimmerman (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Infection, Disease & Health, Vol.30(3), pp.234-247
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2025.02.004
ISSN: 2468-0869
PMID: 40082194
Copyright note: (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Grant note: This review was supported by an undergraduate student scholarship from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Health - Nursing
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991110146202621
Output Type: Journal article

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