Publication:

Assessment of knowledge and practice of nurses regarding infection prevention and associated factors at Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common complications during medical care. Poor infection prevention practices significantly contribute to the spread of various diseases, particularly in healthcare settings. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are crucial to protect patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims to assess nurses knowledge, adherence to infection prevention and associated factors at Maharana Bhupal government hospital, Udaipur.

Methods It was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted among 219 nurses for a period of 3 months after IEC approval. A stratified random sampling technique with a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding infection prevention.

Results The study shows that overall knowledge and practice of nurses regarding infection prevention are 60% and 58.4% respectively. Older age, more work experience, and higher levels of education were strongly linked to both knowledge and practice of infection prevention. In-service training, access to infection prevention supplies and compliance with its guidelines were found to be associated with better practices.

Conclusions More than half nurses had good knowledge and practices. Knowledge and practice were linked to work experience, training, and education level. Adherence to national protocols is crucial, and policy makers should offer training to improve infection prevention. Future research should include qualitative studies.