Background. Many investigations into the determinants of hand hygiene behaviour have only explored individual predictors or were designed according to arguably overly simplistic models of behaviour. Consequently, important influences on hand hygiene behaviour, including habit and emotion, are sometimes neglected. This study is the first to employ the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour as a comprehensive model for understanding the determinants of hand hygiene behaviour.

Method. A self-report questionnaire was conducted with staff from two large UK veterinary referral practices. Participants (n = 75) reported their hand hygiene behaviour and responded to statements rating the importance of social norms, self-protection, patient protection, time pressures, access to equipment, habit and disgust, to their hand hygiene behaviour.
Results. Regression analysis showed that, overall, determinants explained 46% of variance (p < .001) in self-reported hand hygiene behaviour, with time constraints being the strongest predictor (β = -.47, p < .001) followed by difficulty finding equipment (β = -.21, p = .05).

Discussion. Time constraints may be the most important influence on hand hygiene adherence among the determinants investigated. Future researchers should consider employing theoretical models to aid a more comprehensive understanding of the psychology underlying hand hygiene adherence and hand hygiene interventions.