Knowledge, Practices, and Related Factors of Primary Healthcare Providers towards Infection Prevention in Saudi Arabia 2024

Abstract

Background: Standard precautions are intended to prevent patients from possible cross-infection and to safeguard professionals from dangers associated with exposure to bodily fluids, including blood. The collection of knowledge regarding clinical infection control procedures is always expanding and changing. In order to avoid nosocomial infections, healthcare providers must have sufficient knowledge of and adhere to safe infection prevention practices.
This study aimed: To assess the level of knowledge and practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) towards infection prevention and its related factors in the health facilities at Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 HCPs who were selected by a simple random sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The study utilized multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors associated with knowledge and practice of infection prevention.
Result: Approximately 70.8 and 55.0% of HCPs had acceptable knowledge and safe practice of infection prevention respectively. Having infection prevention guideline (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI; 1.26, 10.54), taking infection prevention training (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI; 1.01, 4.75), having five years or more work experience (AOR = 1.52: 95%CI; 1.13, 4.51), and working in maternity unit (AOR = 1.67:95%CI; 1.38–5.23) were positively associated with acceptable knowledge of infection prevention. The odds of safe practice were higher in participants who received infection prevention training (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI; 1.01, 4.75) but lower among HCPs who are working in the facility which has no continuous water supply (AOR = 0.48:95% CI; 0.21, 0.83).
Conclusion: A significant proportion of HCPs performed unsafe infection prevention techniques and lacked sufficient understanding. Adequate pre-service and on-the-job training should be provided to healthcare workers in order to enhance their understanding of infection prevention.