Knowledge, Attitudes and practices Towards Infection Control among health care staff in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

HAIs are a major problem in Saudi Arabia with an average of 6.8% in in-patient in tertiary-care hospitals. Lack of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among the HCWs is one of the main determinants of HAIs. The purpose of this research was to establish the KAP of HCWs concerning infection control in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered, cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out among 324 HCWs. Regarding the position, the largest proportion of the participants were nurses 34.0%, doctors 20.1%, technicians 17.0%, pharmacists 16.7 % and administrative staff 12.3%. The findings revealed a high level of knowledge about infection control measures (mean score: 4.09/5; relative weight: 81.80%), hand hygiene has been considered a significant practice. Positive attitudes were also observed (mean score: 4.02/5; relative weight: 80.40%), HCWs stated that it is good to respect and follow the measures of infection control measures as part of their work. Reported practices were similarly high (mean score: 4.12/5; relative weight: 82.40%; The most frequently reported practice was updating infection control guidelines at least once a week. However, variations in responses indicate the importance of special training programs and a favorable climate that will promote group commitment to infection control. Strengthening peer discussion and reporting structures may also extend existing compliance with infection control practice. These results underscore the need to continue education and training programs to sustain and enhance KAP among HCWs in Saudi Arabia, to decrease HAIs and enhance patient safety.