Knowledge and practices of infection control among healthcare workers in a Tertiary Referral Center in North-Western Nigeria

TLDR

Healthcare‑acquired infections increase morbidity and mortality in patients and raise infection risk for healthcare workers. The study examines infection‑control knowledge and practices among doctors and nurses at a Nigerian tertiary referral center. A cross‑sectional survey using a self‑administered questionnaire collected and analyzed knowledge and practice data from 200 doctors and nurses. Despite high recognition of hand washing as most effective, only about half of doctors and three‑quarters of nurses consistently practiced hand hygiene, and awareness of HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission risks was sub‑optimal, revealing gaps in infection‑control knowledge and practice.

Abstract

Background: Healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) otherwise call nosocomial infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients and predisposes healthcare workers (HCWs) to an increased risk of infections. The study explores the knowledge and practices of infection control among HCW in a tertiary referral center in North-Western Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the study group (of doctors and nurses). Data on knowledge and practice of infection control were obtained and analyzed. Study population were selected by convenience sampling.Results: A total of 200 responses were analyzed, 152 were nurses while 48 were doctors. The median age and years of working experience of the respondents were 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31–39) and 7 years (IQR 4–12), respectively. Most of the respondents 174/198 (87.9%) correctly identified hand washing as the most effective method to prevent HCAI, with nurses having better knowledge 139/152 (91%) (P = 0.001). Majority agreed that avoiding injury with sharps 172/200 (86%), use of barrier precaution 180/200 (90%) and hand hygiene 184/200 (92%) effectively prevent HCAI. Only 88/198 (44.4%), 122/198 (61.6%), and 84/198 (42.4%) of the respondents were aware of the risks of infection following exposure to human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus-infected blood, respectively. About 52% of doctors and 76% of nurses (P = 0.002) always practice hand hygiene in between patient care.Conclusion: Gaps have been identified in knowledge and practice of infection control among doctors' and nurses' in the study; hence, it will be beneficial for all HCW to receive formal and periodic refresher trainings.