An investigation of infection prevention practices among anesthetists

Abstract

IntroductionHealthcare-associated infections are a major global public health agenda. Failure to follow proper infection prevention practices puts healthcare workers, patients, and communities at risk. This study examined the knowledge and practice by anesthetists regarding infection prevention at Amhara region referral and teaching hospitals in Ethiopia. MethodsA multi-center hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a structured pre-tested questionnaire among 161 participants. The anesthetists were requested to fill the questionnaire using the online-based technique. The mean score was calculated and used as a cutoff point to dichotomize the outcome variable. Scores equal to or above the mean score were considered as knowledgeable, favorable attitude, or good practice. A panel of 32 experts was used to validate the instrument through empirical techniques to calculate the index of content validity (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR). Internal consistency of the item was good. Multivariate logistic regressions were computed to identify associated factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection prevention. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsHalf (49.6%) of anesthetists were found to be knowledgeable but only 67 (47.5%) of respondents demonstrated a good practice of infection prevention. The availability of sufficient IP material supply has been reported by 22% of participants. In-service training was significantly associated with knowledge of infection prevention. Working eight hours or below per day, availability of infection prevention supplies, and adherence to infection prevention guidelines were associated with the practice of infection prevention. ConclusionPoor knowledge, unfavorable attitude, and unsafe practice of infection prevention were observed among anesthetists, reflecting a potential problem in the anesthesia working area. Sociodemographic and healthcare facility-related factors were also associated with knowledge and practice of infection prevention.