Which of the following is a major cause of infection spread in healthcare?

Improper hand hygiene is recognized as a major cause of infection spread in healthcare settings. The practice of hand hygiene is critical in preventing the transfer of pathogens among patients, staff, and visitors. The hands are often a vehicle for transmitting infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses, from one surface or person to another. When healthcare providers do not wash their hands effectively or frequently enough, they increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Hand hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, are fundamental in breaking the chain of infection. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to established protocols, such as the World Health Organization's "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene," which guide healthcare workers on when to cleanse their hands to effectively reduce infection risks.

While the other choices are relevant to patient health and well-being, they do not have the same direct and immediate impact on the spread of infections as hand hygiene does. Proper nutrition can strengthen the immune system, physical activity can improve general health, and adequate cleaning of rooms is important for overall sanitation; however, these factors do not specifically address the direct transmission of infections in the way proper hand hygiene does.