Health Education Research Articles

RePAIRing the student nurse journey: empowering interrupted students through innovative support strategies.

This article reports on a study that evaluated an innovative 6-week summer returners' programme, part of the Health Education England RePAIR project, designed to support nursing students who have interrupted their studies. Held from May to July 2022, the programme addressed diverse needs through academic guidance, mental health and resilience workshops, creative arts, professional identity development, and practical nursing skills training. The programme ran alongside support from the programme team, student engagement services, and ongoing communication via phone and email. Despite non-mandatory sessions leading to varying attendance, the combined efforts facilitated the return of 67 out of 135 interrupted students. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: anticipation and fear, making contact and reaching out, preparing for return, and psychological wellbeing. The programme's effectiveness underscores the necessity of tailored support strategies to enhance retention and wellbeing. This innovative approach highlights the importance of personalised support in aiding nursing students' return to education and addressing nursing workforce shortages.

Exploring Research Trends on Digital Health in Nursing Science in Korea: A Topic Modeling Approach.

Digital health technology is utilized in contemporary nursing practice and education. This review explored the scope of digital health applications and major trends in nursing research involving digital health in Korea using topic modeling. Our analysis of data using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model identified four distinct research topics: nursing education using digital technologies (35.17%), hospital-based nursing practice using digital technologies (19.88%), digital technologies for health education (25.75%), and development of digital technologies to support self-management of chronic conditions (19.20%). Our findings reveal trends, current issues, and gaps in digital health nursing research.

Learning About Mental Health Lived Experience in Social Work Education

ABSTRACT Lived experience education occupies an increasingly important space in mental health education for social workers. Despite being plagued by practices that continue to be discriminating and exclusionary, the mental health policy and practice context demand robust attention to the meaningful inclusion of service users and their families to achieve genuine partnership, reciprocity, and equality in mental health service provision. For social work educators, lived experience education is now an indispensable component of a critically informed mental health curriculum and pedagogy. Framed within an appeal for epistemic justice, this article reports on qualitative survey data from social work students who experienced teaching from people with lived experience. Findings show that students greatly valued lived experience education, as it created opportunities for authentic and more diverse understandings of mental health that fostered critical reflection. A curriculum that supports epistemic equality and a social justice agenda would help scaffold lived experience expertise for student learning. IMPLICATIONS Mental health lived experience education positively impacts social work students’ values and attitudes towards mental health service users. Lived experience education supports social work students to expand their understandings of mental health and recovery beyond dominant biomedical perspectives. Genuine valuing of lived experience knowledge and expertise in social work education helps address epistemic injustice.

The Effect of Occupational Safety and Health Counseling on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment at the Special UPTD of the Medan Hajj Hospital

The development of occupational safety and health science in the work environment can be seen with the development of advanced science and technology as well as the emergence of new innovations in the work environment and encouraging companies to improve the knowledge and skills of their human resources. The purpose of this study is to determine the Influence of Occupational Safety and Health Education (K3) on the Behavior of Using Personal Protective Equipment at the Special UPTD of Haji Medan Hospital. This research includes quasi-experimental research. This study uses a one group pretest and pottest design. The population in this study is emergency room nurses at the Special UPTD of Haji Medan Hospital which totals 50 nurses in June-August 2024. The sampling technique in this study is total sampling. The measuring tool in this study uses a univariate and bivariate distribution of non-parametric data with the Wilcoxon test. The results of the Wilcoxon statistical test of both knowledge and attitude obtained a P-value of 0.000. This means that at alpha 5% there is a significant difference in median score between before and after counseling. Meanwhile, in the aspect of action, there was an increase in the number of PPE users between before and after counseling. Because the results of Asymp.Sig of knowledge, attitudes and actions are less than 0.05, H0 is rejected so that there is an influence of occupational health and safety counseling (K3) on the behavior of using PPE. In conclusion, there is an influence of Occupational Safety and Health Counseling (K3) on the behavior of using personal protective equipment at the Special UPTD of Haji Medan Hospital. The suggestions are expected to increase the frequency of counseling and provide information on the importance of using personal protective equipment in the workplace, provide strict sanctions against nurses who do not use personal protective equipment at work, increase the frequency.

The difference between digital educational game and powerpoint-based video on oral hygiene knowledge in children aged 7-8 years : a quasi-experimental

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Oral and dental health problems can be prevented through dental health education in which methods and media play an important role in increasing knowledge. Media that is often used in schools is still conventional, therefore research on modern media use is needed. This study intended to analyze the difference between digital educational games and PowerPoint-based videos in improving oral hygiene knowledge. Methods: This study method was a quasi-experimental with a non-equivalent control group and pretest-posttest design. The study population were 36 second-grade students at Elementary School 20 Kalumbuk, in Padang, Indonesia, selected using total sampling, with inclusion criteria being 7-8 year olds who brought informed consent forms which were already signed by parents and were in good overall health. The sample that met the inclusion criteria was 32 students and were divided into two groups. A total of 16 students in the experimental group (Group A) received oral health education through digital educational game media, while the remaining 16 students in the control group (Group B) were provided with PowerPoint-based video media. Data were collected by giving questionnaires both before and after education. The data analysis was using a paired t-test and an independent t-test. Results: The oral hygiene knowledge average increased 2.94 in Group A and 1.68 in Group B. The paired t-test showed significant improvement in both groups (p = 0.000). The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between digital educational games and PowerPoint-based videos (p = 0.037). Conclusion: There is a significant difference between digital educational games and PowerPoint-based videos in improving dental and oral hygiene knowledge among children aged 7-8 years. The digital educational games demonstrated a higher increase in knowledge compared to the PowerPoint-based videos.

Integrating digital and interactive approaches in adolescent health literacy: a comprehensive review.

Adolescent health literacy is critical for navigating the complex landscape of modern healthcare and making informed decisions that influence long-term health outcomes. This comprehensive review synthesizes current research on integrating digital tools and interactive learning approaches to enhance health literacy among adolescents. We explore the use of digital technologies, such as mobile apps and virtual reality, which cater to the preferences of this tech-savvy generation, offering personalized and accessible health information. The effectiveness of interactive learning methodologies, including simulations and role-playing, is also examined, highlighting their potential to increase engagement and retention of health-related knowledge. We address the importance of mental health literacy and the role of social media and peer education in disseminating health information effectively. Our review identifies gaps in the current literature, particularly the need for studies that consider long-term outcomes and the impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on health literacy initiatives. We propose a multidimensional approach to health literacy education that incorporates innovative technologies and interactive methods to meet the diverse needs of adolescents in various contexts. The findings suggest that an integrated approach, including digital and critical health literacy, is essential for developing comprehensive health education programs that are both informative and engaging for adolescents.

Photoeducation strategy through emerging technologies

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, added to the large amount of time that children spend exposed to the sun, causes lesions on their skin, significantly increasing the risk of suffering from skin cancer or melanoma in adulthood; Emerging technologies, such as mobile apps and UV-sensitive bracelets, offer practical and effective solutions to address the lack of knowledge and awareness about the risks of sun exposure, transforming the way we learn and engage with the world. particularly preschoolers.Objective: propose an educational strategy through emerging technology with the integration of AI in health education programs, aimed at children under 5 years of age. Methodology: a qualitative, ethnographic study was carried out, with the participation of 13 caregivers, 1 teacher, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were processed manually for exhaustive knowledge and meticulous review that can guide a complete and accurate interpretation of the participants' experiences. Results and conclusion: the study highlights the need for comprehensive and preventive education in photoprotection, using innovative technological tools to reach both children and their parents and teachers. Emerging technologies, such as mobile apps and UV-sensitive bracelets, offer practical and effective solutions to the risks of sun exposure. However, for this strategy to be effective, it is essential that it be implemented in an educational environment that supports and reinforces its use.

Behavioral Exposure for Interoceptive Tolerance (BE-FIT): A stage II randomized clinical trial protocol

BackgroundExercise anxiety is a novel mechanism related to non-adherence to exercise and lifestyle physical activity. We developed a cognitive-behavioral treatment, Behavioral Exposure For Interoceptive Tolerance (BE-FIT), which is a manualized, values-based exposure intervention designed to target exercise anxiety that is delivered as a supplement to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR). MethodWe describe a Stage II randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test BE-FIT, compared to a Health Education Control (HEC) intervention on exercise and physical activity outcomes at end-of-treatment (EOT) and follow-ups (Weeks 12, 18, and 24), and evaluate mechanisms of change (i.e., reductions in exercise anxiety). Adults (N = 146) who are ≥40 years of age, cleared for outpatient exercise-based CR, low active, and have elevated exercise anxiety will be recruited. The primary study hypothesis is that BE-FIT compared to HEC will result in higher levels of overall exercise and lifestyle physical activity at EOT and follow-ups. The second hypothesis is that BE-FIT vs HEC will produce greater reductions in exercise anxiety at EOT and Week 12. The third hypothesis is that reductions in exercise anxiety at EOT and Weeks 12 will mediate the effect of BE-FIT on activity outcomes at Weeks 18 and 24. DiscussionWe expect the results of this study will produce knowledge regarding BE-FIT's efficacy and mechanisms of action. Our goal is to better understand “how and why” the intervention is (or is not) effective and for whom, and increase collective knowledge and reproducibility of behavior change research.

Moderate Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Vitiligo Among University Students in Iraq

Background: Vitiligo is a depigmenting skin condition characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes, leading to amelanotic, nonscaly, chalky-white macules with distinct borders. Despite its prevalence, public knowledge and attitudes toward vitiligo remain under-researched, particularly in educational settings. Knowledge Gap: There is limited research assessing the understanding and attitudes of university students toward vitiligo, particularly in Middle Eastern regions. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of students at Basrah University’s Bab Al-Zubair complex regarding vitiligo, using a cross-sectional descriptive design. Methodology: A random sample of 300 male and female students participated, responding to a closed-ended questionnaire created from a review of relevant literature. The survey, administered in Arabic, consisted of three parts: sociodemographic characteristics, 16 questions on knowledge, and 7 questions on attitudes toward vitiligo. A three-point Likert scale was used to evaluate responses. Results: The majority of participants demonstrated moderate knowledge of vitiligo, with similar findings in their attitudes, as assessed using an arithmetic mean. Expert validation of the questionnaire ensured the clarity and relevance of its content. Novelty: This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of university students’ knowledge and attitudes toward vitiligo in Basrah, filling a significant gap in dermatological health education research in the region. Implications: Raising public awareness about vitiligo is crucial to improving the psychological well-being, social integration, and self-esteem of those affected by the condition. These findings highlight the need for educational interventions that can foster better understanding and reduce stigma surrounding vitiligo, particularly in academic settings. Highlights: Students showed moderate knowledge and attitudes toward vitiligo. Validated questionnaire assessed understanding and perceptions. Awareness crucial for social and psychological support of vitiligo sufferers. Keywords: Vitiligo, Knowledge, Attitudes, University Students, Public Awareness

LEAP! Rx: A randomized trial of a pragmatic approach to lifestyle medicine.

Clinicians lack the tools to incorporate physical activity into clinical care for Alzheimer's disease prevention. We tested a 52-week exercise and health education program (Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer's Prevention [LEAP! Rx]) that integrates clinician referrals and community-based fitness resources. We randomized 219 participants to the LEAP! Rx (ie, exercise and monthly brain health education) or a standard-of-care control group and tested the effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, insulin resistance, body composition, lipids, and cognitive performance. Physicians were able to connect their patients to a community lifestyle intervention. The intervention group increased in cardiorespiratory fitness at 12 and 52 weeks (p=0.005). We observed no effects on secondary measures. Participants meeting 80% of weekly goals (150 min, moderate to vigorous activity) saw greater fitness improvements than those with less than 80% (p<0.001). These results hold promise for broad implementation of exercise interventions into larger healthcare systems and have implications for improved research recruitment strategies. NCT No. NCT03253341. Our community-based exercise program increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Our digital physician referral method increased the diversity of the participant sample. Our findings have implications for personalized dementia risk reduction strategies.

Interculturality in the Development of Technology-Mediated Courses for Massive Health Education: A Systematic Review.

Virtual Learning Environments have become innovative tools in health professionals education. Through Massive Open Online Courses, they enable different ways of connecting with knowledge, facilitating study autonomy, interaction, and closer alignment with professional practices and the context of course participants. MOOCs comprise an educational strategy for many fields, including health. As they educate health professionals about a variety of practices, MOOCs play a crucial role in interculturality by enabling professionals to approach cultural diversity in work settings. This study provides a review of the literature investigating the element of interculturality in the production of healthcare-related MOOCs intended for a variety of audiences, including practicing healthcare professionals, healthcare professional trainees, and the general public. Based on a systematic review protocol, we searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2023 in Science Direct, PubMed, ERIC, and Scopus. Fifteen studies were selected for final analysis, which highlighted MOOC development, its underlying processes, and its importance in promoting health and social well-being. MOOCs have (1) provided new approaches to technology-mediated learning in distance health education, (2) aided training, (3) disseminated knowledge, and (4) promoted interculturality. Continuous collaboration and innovation in MOOC development are essential to ensure their effectiveness and relevance in the contemporary educational scenario.

Spatial variations in health service utilization among migrant population: a perspective on health equity.

As health equity becomes a prioritized goal in global health policy, extensive research has revealed that socio-economic and geographical factors jointly exacerbate barriers to medical service access for both internal and international migrant populations, further accelerating existing health disparities. This study explores healthcare service utilization disparities among internal migrants in China, a population profoundly affected by the country's economic reforms and urbanization since the late 1970s. These transformations have led to significant migratory movements and subsequent healthcare challenges for these populations. Leveraging data from the 2017 China Migrant Dynamic Survey, comprising 169,989 samples across 28 provinces, we introduce a novel metric-the "No Treatment ratio" (NT-ratio). This ratio quantifies the proportion of migrants who, after falling ill, choose not to seek treatment relative to the total migrant population in a given province or region, serving as a critical measure of health risk. Building upon Anderson's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, we adapted the model to better reflect the unique circumstances of migrant populations. The study employs spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis, and geodetector techniques to dissect the multifaceted factors influencing healthcare disparities. Our Findings reveal that the NT-ratio is significantly higher in eastern and northeastern China. Key factors influencing the NT-ratio include age, left-behind experiences, health education, and per capita medical resources. In response to these disparities, we recommend optimizing the distribution of medical resource, strengthening tiered diagnosis and treatment systems, and integrating health, education, and social security resources. These measures aim to improve healthcare utilization among migrant populations and reduce health inequities, aligning with global health objectives.

The impact of cancer prevention education on the mental health of college students based on the difference-in-differences method.

Cancer, as the second leading cause of death worldwide, poses significant challenges to human health and socio-economic development. In recent years, the incidence of cancer has shown a trend toward younger populations, drawing attention to cancer prevention education among college students. However, research on the specific impact of cancer prevention education on the mental health of college students is limited. This study aims to explore the impact of cancer prevention education on the mental health of college students, revealing the mediating role of disease awareness and the moderating roles of psychological resilience and cultural differences. A difference-in-differences (DID) approach was used, involving 1,670 freshmen from a Chinese university, divided into an experimental group (n = 835) and a control group (n = 835). The experimental group received a semester-long cancer prevention education program. Data were collected monthly from November 2022 to June 2023 using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and a custom Disease Awareness Scale. The study found a significant improvement in mental health scores among the experimental group, with an average increase of 14.738 points on the DASS-21 scale (p < 0.001), representing a 23% reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels compared to the control group. Disease awareness in the experimental group improved by 17%, as measured by the Disease Awareness Scale, with a mediation effect of 3.563 points (p < 0.001). Furthermore, psychological resilience and cultural differences moderated the impact of the education program, with those scoring higher in resilience showing an additional 8% improvement in mental health scores (moderation effect = 0.892, p < 0.001), and cultural differences accounting for a 5% variance (moderation effect = 0.756, p < 0.001) in the outcomes. This study demonstrates that systematic and scientific cancer prevention education has a significant positive impact on the mental health of college students. Universities should promote comprehensive and personalized health education strategies to improve disease awareness, foster psychological resilience, and emphasize cultural differences, thereby enhancing the overall physical and mental health of college students and promoting their holistic development. This finding provides important empirical support and theoretical basis for the design and implementation of health education in universities.

KONSEP KESEHATAN MENTAL DALAM PENDIDIKAN ISLAM Analisis Pemikiran Prof. Zakiah Daradjat

Abstract: This study aims to determine and describe the concept of mental health according to Zakiyah Daradjat through Islamic education. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research method with a library research approach, namely a study conducted by searching for and discussing related literature or books. The data sources used are Zakiyah Daradjat's books as primary data sources and other books related to the research object as secondary data sources. The results of this study indicate that the concept of Islamic education in mental health according to Zakiah Daradjat is a change in attitude and behavior in accordance with the instructions of Islamic teachings, aimed at improving mental attitudes that are manifested in actions, both for the needs of oneself (individual) and others (society). Islamic education plays a role in controlling these morals and personalities. With Islamic guidance, students are helped to improve their personalities starting from the basic aspects, namely their mental condition. The concept is divided into two, namely: (1) theoretically (2) practically. Both theories include: (a) recognition, understanding, and urgency of individual mental health (b) ways of guidance that are carried out in real educational environments (family, school, community) by paying attention to the psychological development of students (c) instructions for handling mental health problems, namely by worshiping and getting closer to Allah Ta'ala.

National Variation in Black Immigrant Preterm Births and the Role of County-Level Social Factors.

Preterm birth rates among Black individuals continue to be inequitably high in the USA. Black immigrants appear to have a preterm birth advantage over US-born counterparts. This national cross-sectional study of singleton non-Hispanic Black individuals in the USA from 2011 to 2018 aimed to investigate if the Black immigrant preterm birth advantage varied geographically and how this advantage associated with county-level social drivers of health. Generalized linear mixed models explored the odds of preterm birth (< 37weeks) by birthing person's nativity, defined as US- versus foreign-born. In county-level analyses, five measures were explored as possible sources of structural risk for or resilience against preterm birth: percent of residents in poverty, percent uninsured, percent with more than a high school education, percent foreign-born, and racial polarization. County-level immigrant advantage among foreign-born compared to US-born Black individuals was defined by a disparity rate ratio (RR); RR < 1 indicated a county-level immigrant preterm birth advantage. Linear regression models at the level of counties quantified associations between county-level factors and disparity RRs. Among 4,072,326 non-Hispanic Black birthing individuals, immigrants had 24% lower adjusted odds of preterm birth compared to US-born Black individuals (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.76-0.78). In county-level analyses, the immigrant advantage varied across counties; disparity RRs ranged from 0.13 to 2.82. County-level lack of health insurance and education greater than high school were both associated with immigrant preterm birth advantage. Future research should explore policies within counties that impact risk of preterm birth for both US-born and immigrant Black individuals.

The Urgent Need for Interprofessional Environmental Health Education to Achieve Universal Health Coverage, Even in Disasters

The Urgent Need for Interprofessional Environmental Health Education to Achieve Universal Health Coverage, Even in Disasters

Examining multidimensional health poverty and determining factors among rural women of childbearing age in ningxia, china

BackgroundThe multidimensional health poverty afflicting rural women of reproductive age bears profound implications for the sustainable development of families, societies, and healthy villages. Elucidating vulnerable groups at risk of multidimensional health poverty and delineating its determinants can inform refinements and implementation of health-poverty alleviation policies.MethodsBased on the 2022 "Health Status and Health Service Utilization" survey data in rural Ningxia, China, this study analyzes the dimension of health status, capacity for health service utilization, health expenditure and security using the A-F dual-threshold method, logit model, and probit model. It comprehensively evaluates multidimensional health poverty and analyzes its determining factors among rural women of childbearing age.ResultsWith k set at 0.3, the health multidimensional poverty index, incidence, and intensity among rural women of reproductive age were 0.021, 0.053, and 0.392, respectively. Chronic illness, capacity for free gynecological examination utilization, health examination utilization, and borrowing due to illness contributed significantly to multidimensional health poverty. Risk factors for multidimensional health poverty among rural women of childbearing age include age, unemployment, family size, and lack of sanitary toilets. Protective factors include being married, educational level, non-farm or student occupation, receiving government support, separate housing and kitchen, owning a television and computer.ConclusionsEven with the elimination of absolute poverty, the multidimensional health poverty situation among rural women remains important from a gender perspective. It is recommended to strengthen economic assistance and health service support for these groups, improve the level of rural health services from a gender perspective, and enhance housing structure and sanitation toilet usage in rural areas. Efforts should be made to narrow the digital divide in rural areas and promote digital health education. Pre-interventions on multidimensional health poverty can provide new pathways for the development, empowerment, and well-being of rural women of childbearing age.

Challenges in diagnosis and treatment of cystinuria patients with Urolithiasis: multicenter patient centered study.

Cystinuria represents a rare cause of urolithiasis, accounting for 1% of all cases. However, it poses unique challenges in diagnosis and management. This study aimed to examine the challenges of managing cystine stones from the perspective of cystinuria patients. Following ethical approval, we reviewed the medical records of cystine stone patients treated at four tertiary centers from 2016 to 2021 and surveyed them on their perceptions of cystinuria. It included questions about demographic characteristics, herbal treatments, pain management, online engagement, disease outcomes, and cystinuria-related fears. The study included 28 adults with cystinuria nephrolithiasis, with a mean age of 30.5 years. Of these, 78.6% had consanguineous parents, and the first stone episode occurred at a mean of 14.82 years age. Family history of Cystinuria was encountered in 82.1%. Cystinuria was diagnosed after a mean of 6.43 years from the first stone episode, and stone analysis was performed in 22/28 after a mean of 3.86 years from the first stone episode. Only 17 patients (60.8%) underwent metabolic evaluation for kidney stones. Regarding non-surgical treatments, 13 (46.5%) patients received alkalinization medication, and only 10 (35.7%) were prescribed chelating agent therapy. Additionally, 50% of patients took herbal remedies. The diagnosis of cystinuria is often delayed, leading to a delay in receiving medical treatment (alkalinization and chelating agents) and poor health education and counseling. Thus, referring cystinuria patients to tertiary hospitals and providing a multidisciplinary approach might decrease the morbidity of the disease and enhance their well-being.

Prevalence and Home Management Practice Of Febrile Convulsion Among Children Admitted In a Tertiary Institute Of A Developing Country

Introduction/Objectives Febrile convulsion (FC) is a convulsion triggered by fever of extra-cranial origin in young children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and home management practices of children admitted in the children emergency room (CHER), UCTH, Calabar, Nigeria. Methods/Materials A cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out using quantitative and qualitative methods (admission register and key informant interview). Any child with febrile convulsion admitted into CHER from June 2017 to May 2018 was recruited for the study and his/her caregiver was interviewed on the home practices in the management of FC. Quantitative data was analyzed with SPSS version 22.0 while thematic coding was used for the qualitative data. Results Out of 1,093 total admissions for the periodunder review, 37 had FC giving a prevalence of 3.4% with a M:F ratio of 1.1:1. Malaria was the most common cause in 59.5%. Caregivers treated FC at home by giving the children palm oil, palm kernel oil and crude oil to drink, rubbing olive oil, heating child’s feet on fire and using spoon to keep the mouth open, while some rushed the child to the hospital immediately. Conclusion The prevalence of FC was low and most of the home remedies applied by caregivers were harmful. It is recommended that there is need to intensify health education and create more awareness on the proper management of FC among caregivers in Calabar.

Exploring barriers to and facilitators of infection prevention and control practices in the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

BackgroundAdherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) standards and guidelines by healthcare workers is essential for reducing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, IPC practices among healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, are generally inadequate. This research aims to identify the barriers to and facilitators of IPC practices in the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.MethodsWe employed a rapid ethnographic assessment (REA) approach for this study, using focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and observations to collect data. Participants were selected from the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of TASH, and data collection took place in March and April 2022. Two FGDs and eight IDIs were conducted in the participants’ workplace within the department. Unstructured guides were used to facilitate the FGDs and IDIs. Nvivo version 10 software was used for data organization and analysis. The data were coded deductively through thematic analysis to identify similar ideas and concepts, based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model.ResultA total of 23 healthcare workers participated, with 15 in FGDs and 8 in IDIs. The study identified several barriers to IPC practices, including nonadherence to IPC practice protocols, lack of pre-employment training, space constraints, insufficient maintenance and repair of equipment, limited management engagement and support, shortage of resources and budget, incidents of needle stick injuries and infections, high workloads for healthcare workers, shortages of personal protective equipment and water supply, and inadequate waste management. We also identified some facilitators, including the existence of an IPC team and committee, a health education schedule for patients and visitors, morning sessions for healthcare providers, and the presence of television screens in waiting areas. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the facilitators, department heads, IPC team leaders, and decision-makers can develop targeted strategies and interventions to improve infection control, reduce the spread of HAIs, and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare services.ConclusionThis study explored several barriers that contribute to inappropriate and suboptimal IPC practices in the study area. These barriers create significant challenges for healthcare workers and hindering their ability to effectively implement IPC practices. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the problems, which not only affect the current working environment but also compromise the overall quality of care. The hospital administrator should address these critical issues to improving IPC practices and ensuring a safer healthcare environment.