Our study highlighted that people of Black African ethnicity, travelling to sub-Saharan Africa to visit friends and relatives in their country of origin remain the most affected with also a decline in chemoprophylaxis use. Malaria awareness should focus on this group in order to have the biggest impact but may require new approaches.

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Recent studies suggest non-sterile clinical gloves (NSCG) are used for a wide range of care activities not involving contact with blood and body fluid (BBF). Their use has been associated with cross-contamination because they are put on too early, removed too late and transfer pathogens to susceptible sites, other surfaces and patients. Understanding influences on healthcare workers' attitudes to glove use is important for changing glove-use behaviour. This study investigated student nurses' attitudes to using gloves. Methods A cohort of 3 rd year student nurses completed a questionnaire to indicate which of 46 clinical tasks they would routinely wear NSCG for and influences on their decision. They had no prior information about the use of NSCG except as part of their normal training. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify correlations in reported NSCG use. Results All 67 students completed the questionnaire. Almost all would routinely wear NSCG for tasks involving contact with BBF. However, some reported behaviour was inconsistent: a higher proportion would wear gloves for washing an adult (88.1%) than a baby (25.4%) and for changing an incontinence pad (98.5%) than a nappy (61.2%). More than 40% of respondents indicated they would routinely wear NSCG for tasks where they would not be necessary, for example giving IM/SC injection (76%) or taking MRSA swabs (79%). Correlation between tasks could be summarised under four factors: probable contact with BBF; definitive indication; "just in case"; and personal hygiene. 94% of respondents cited their own judgement as a key influence on their glove use. Discussion This study has demonstrated that student nurses' rationale for using NSCG is not always based on accurate assessment of risk of exposure to BBF. Their decision to wear gloves is perceived to be personal, and suggesting improvement strategies which rely on encouraging challenge by peers or education may not be effective.