Healthcare professionals’ knowledge and practices towards hospital infections in surgical clinics

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHospital-acquired infections are a major public health problem, as they increase hospitalization, cost, morbidity, mortality and antibiotic resistance.AimTo assess the level of knowledge and practices of health professionals about hospital infections in surgical clinics and investigate possible determinants that affects their compliance with international protocols for prevention and control of hospital infections.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a convenience sample was conducted. Study population included 106 health professionals from medical and nursing staff in surgical clinics of a general hospital in Attica. Data collection was conducted during October and December 2019. We used the Healthcare-Associated Infections questionnaire to measure knowledge and practices of health professionals about hospital infections.ResultsThe mean overall knowledge score for hospital infections was 59.4, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. The highest level of knowledge was about the safety of healthcare professionals, while the lowest level was about the source of hospital infections. The results of the multivariate linear regression showed that participants who were aware of the infection control program at their hospital and knew they had to wash their hands following the six steps of the hand hygiene protocol had a higher level of knowledge score regarding hospital infections. In contrast, participants who felt that their hospital was following a good infection control and prevention strategy had a lower level of knowledge. In addition, healthcare professionals who washed their hands before and after examining patients, after using medical equipment for patient care, throughout and after the end of the shift, and after removing disposable gloves had a higher level of knowledge for hospital infections.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study are consistent with the international literature on the existence of a moderate level of knowledge regarding international prevention guidelines. Compliance of healthcare professionals is essential to achieve universal, quality and safe healthcare and a safe working environment.