Good hand hygiene is the single most important measure in basic hygiene practices. Every year, thousands of people suffer from health-related infections, that could have been reduced or prevented with good hand hygiene. There are clear deficiencies in the adherence to hand hygiene due to various factors.

The purpose of this literature study was to compile the compliance of hand hygiene routines among healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries.

The method used was a literature review which compile scientific literature with both quantitative and qualitative approach. The literature review compiled the results of totally nine scientific studies.

The result showed that compliance with hand hygiene is poor in low-and middle-income countries. There were major shortcomings in the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals. Access to the sink, running water, soap and hand disinfection were also barriers that contributed to noncompliance. There are major challenges for low and middle-income countries to achieve compliance with hand hygiene. Healthcare professionals need continuous education and training and there needs to be an upgrade of facilities for staff to be able to perform hand hygiene.