Health Care Providers' Knowledge of Infection Prevention, Practice, and Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Adequate knowledge and safe practice of infection prevention among healthcare providers (HCPs) are vital to prevent nosocomial infections. Thus, this study aimed to assess the level ofknowledge and practices ofHCPs towards infection prevention and its associatedfactors in the healthfacilities. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 HCPs who were selected by a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice of infection prevention. Result: About 70.8 and 55.0% of HCPs had adequate 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%oCI; 1.13, 1 4.51), and working in maternity unit (AOR 1.67:95%oCI; 1.38—5.23) were positively associated with adequate 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, O. 83). Conclusion: A significant proportion ofHCPs had inadequate knowledge and unsafe practice of infection prevention. To improve healthcare worker's knowledge of infection prevention, adequate pre-service as well as on job training should be given.