Level of knowledge on the prevention of surgical site infection among physicians in Taif City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased hospital stay in patients who underwent surgery. At present, there are reports on the poor knowledge of physicians in Saudi Arabia regarding SSI prevention, warranting further investigation. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of physicians in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional research design involving 80 physicians who are working in the surgery departments in Taif hospitals. Results: Overall, the knowledge level of physicians on the prevention of surgical skin infection was adequate. Although interns showed lower levels of knowledge, significant associations were observed between the type of physician in the surgical ward with antibiotic prophylaxis, systemic warming, and method of hair removal in the incision site, implying variability in the level of knowledge of physicians in the chosen locale. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of physicians is adequate, but an effort to increase the knowledge of interns in surgical skin infection prevention needs to be promoted. Physicians with more number of years of experience, such as residents, consultants, and specialists, have higher knowledge about the prevention of SSI.