Nurses Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Infection Control Practices

Abstract

Background: Infection control practices are crucial in minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospital settings. Adequate knowledge and positive attitudes among nurses towards these practices are essential for effective implementation and patient safety. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding infection control practices at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 registered nurses from various departments including ICU, ER, and pediatric wards. Participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitudes toward infection control practices. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and reliability analysis (Cronbach’s Alpha) were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: The study revealed that 47.3% (71/150) of nurses had excellent knowledge, 22.0% (33/150) had good knowledge, and 30.7% (46/150) had poor knowledge about infection control. Regarding attitudes, 94.7% (142/150) of nurses exhibited a positive attitude towards infection control measures. The majority of participants were young, with 97.3% (146/150) between the ages of 21-30. Experience levels varied, with 81.3% (122/150) having between 1 to 3 years of experience. Conclusion: The findings indicate that while there is a good level of knowledge and a very positive attitude towards infection control among nurses, continuous education and training are needed to address gaps in knowledge and ensure high standards of practice are maintained.