Infection Prevention And Control Knowledge Research Articles

Knowledge, Practices, and Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control among Health Care Providers in the Labour Ward at Busia County Referral Hospital

Provider's Infection prevention and control (IPC) skills are essential for healthcare (HCPs), particularly in labour wards, where they significantly affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are major contributors to maternal and neonatal sepsis, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess knowledge, practices, and adherence to IPC among HCPs in the labour ward at Busia County Referral Hospital, focusing on hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean environment. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect quantitative data from HCPs directly involved in patient care. The sample size consisted of 11 HCPs, with 10 participants, including 30% nurses, 30% clinical officers, and 40% nursing students. Most participants (40%) were aged 20-25 years, and 60% were male. Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires and an observational checklist. Analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, with results presented in tables, graphs, and pie charts. The findings revealed that 90% of HCPs had received formal IPC training. While 60% demonstrated good IPC knowledge, the mean score was 78% for knowledge, 69% for practices, and 50% for adherence. Although HCPs exhibited strong knowledge and practices, their adherence to IPC protocols was only borderline satisfactory. The study suggests that regular IPC training is needed to improve adherence, along with hospital management providing sufficient resources, conducting supervision, and implementing feedback mechanisms for HCPs

KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF HATTA HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING COVID-19 INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Healthcare-associated infection represents a public health problem in all countries. COVID-19 patients can rapidly overwhelm the capacities of healthcare systems. As more patients are hospitalized, healthcare workers (HCW) at the frontline of care are at the greatest risk of infection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and self-reported behavior of healthcare professionals in Hatta Hospital regarding COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) during this emerging infectious disease pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Hatta hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE) among one hundred HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire based on UAE National and World Health Organization (WHO) IPC guidelines. Of the study participants, 66% received COVID-19 IPC training inside Hatta hospital. The mean knowledge and behavior scores were 75.7% ± 9.4 and 87.6% ± 5.9, respectively. Knowledge score and behavior score were not related to gender (p= 0.232, 0.091, respectively ) and to work position (p= 0.882, 0.994, respectively), however, they were related to the previous contact with COVID -19 patients (p= 001, 0.011, respectively ). Nonetheless, gaps in IPC knowledge and behavior have been identified and need improvement. This includes donning and doffing of PPE and optimal use of protective measures especially respirators (N95 or FFP2).

The role and needs of teachers/schools in infection, prevention and control post covid-19

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) across all settings. As children are important transmitters of infection, teachers and schools play an important role in infection prevention. The aim of this study is to understand attitudes towards, and knowledge of IPC in schools post-Covid, and highlight any gaps in the training and resources needed. Methods An online survey of 1000 primary and secondary school teachers was carried out across England. Pearson’s chi-squared test, corrected for survey design, was used to test for differences in proportions across levels of categorical variables. Two qualitative workshops with eight head teachers were carried out to gather more in-depth information. Results 1000 teachers completed the survey across a range of teaching roles. Respondents reported that IPC measures are now less frequently implemented than during the pandemic. 71% of respondents say their role has changed since the pandemic, now having more responsibility for pupil health and hygiene; higher in primary versus secondary school teachers (31% v 25%; p < 0.05). 1/3 felt this change was permanent; 84% had no IPC training. Knowledge gaps were identified in the areas of IPC roles within schools, and IPC measures. 72% teachers claim they feel better prepared to deal with a public health outbreak compared to pre-pandemic, although 22% do not have an updated IPC policy; 35% had unmet needs. Conclusions Schools and teachers play a pivotal role in preventing the spread of communicable disease, highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers need, and more importantly want, more IPC training. Training and updated policies would support the educational workforce who feel their needs are not being met. Providing more streamlined, consistent, clear and concise information from trusted sources is required. Key messages • It is imperative to understand educators’ role in IPC in schools as they are key players in supporting local and national efforts to reduce the spread of infections. • Teachers desire further training with comprehensive information, and up-to-date policies to support their infection prevention and control efforts in educational settings.

Radiography students' knowledge, attitude and practice relating to infection prevention and control in the use of contrast media injectors in computed tomography.

Radiography students complete professional placements in various clinical settings and must adhere to distinct infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. The aim of this study was to explore radiography students' training, knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) relating to IPC in the use of contrast media injectors in computed tomography (CT). An online survey study was undertaken with radiography students enrolled at two Australian universities. Survey questions related to contrast media training and KAP regarding IPC in CT. Data was summarised using descriptive statistics, with comparisons between experience in public and private practice. One free-text response question focused on non-adherence to IPC best practice, analysed using content analysis. In total, 40 students completed the survey (9% response rate). Reports of IPC and contrast media equipment training was high, with disposition for further training. Regarding IPC knowledge, 65% of students responded correctly to all 'knowledge' items (individual scores range: 60-100%). Low consensus was observed regarding whether gloves replace the need for hand hygiene and if CT contrast tubing poses risk to healthcare workers (85% each). Mean scores ranged from 41% to 100% regarding identification of sterile syringe and tubing components. Responses to the open-ended question were categorised into four themes: 'High non-adherence risk working conditions', 'attitudes and practice', 'knowledge', and 'prioritise good IPC practice'. Radiography students demonstrate varied comprehension of IPC regarding contrast media equipment, and results suggest need for collaborative efforts between academic institutions and clinical training sites to integrate IPC protocols into curricula and on-site training.

COVID-19 infection prevention and control program for aged care providers: a quasi-experimental study of Telegram-based training

ABSTRACT Given the high turnover of care workers in residential aged care facilities, continuous training on infection prevention and control (IPC) remains essential even after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the impact of a Telegram-based training on aged care providers’ IPC knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy. A two-arm, pre-post quasi-experimental study with repeated measures at week 2 (T1) and week 4 (T2) was conducted for seventy-two (72) participants from 14 residential aged care facilities in Malaysia, with 60 completing the study (30 per arm). All instructional activities and data collection for both groups were delivered through Telegram. The intervention group received a 2-day synchronous workshop (3 h/day) alongside e-materials for a 10-unit IPC module. Primary outcomes were measured using a knowledge test, COVID-19 Elderly Caregiver Questionnaire (attitude component), and an adapted General Self-Efficacy Scale. Telegram’s acceptability was also assessed using an adapted Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire. Results showed that the intervention group had a faster knowledge transfer (91.3%–93.5%; T0-T2 = ∆22.9; p ≤ .002;), higher knowledge scores (∆7.2–16; p ≤ .002; large effect sizes 0.9–1.7), and a small-to-modest increments in self-efficacy (∆13.2; p = .002) and attitude (∆5.2; p = .045). Integrating synchronous sessions into an online program improved knowledge transfer, enhanced self-efficacy and promoted positive attitudes by enabling real-time interpersonal communication and instant feedback. Telegram proved effective for mobile learning in aged care settings with limited resources.

Infection Prevention and Control Knowledge among Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Malaysia

Introduction: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a crucial component of the healthcare system that demands adherence to standards to avoid and reduce the risk of infectious diseases spreading among patients, staff members, and visitors to healthcare institutions. The aim of this study was to assess IPC knowledge among undergraduate health sciences students and to identify the critical IPC components that need to be addressed. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 235 final-year health science students at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), involving five faculties: the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Science. A 45-item questionnaire was used to collect participants’ sociodemographics (5 items) and explore their knowledge about IPC across six aspects (40 items). A score of > 24 (62%) indicates satisfactory knowledge. Results: The majority of the participants were female (74.9%), and 34% were from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Medicine students had the highest level of IPC knowledge with a mean score of 29.3 (n = 52), which was significantly different from Allied Health Science students (M = 25.6, n =55, p < 0.001). Other faculties students had similar IPC knowledge with no significant differences (Pharmacy: M = 27.5, n = 80; Nursing: M = 27.4, n = 29; Dentistry: M = 27.2, n = 19). IPC components that need to be improved are knowledge about sharp disposals and sharp injuries, as well as respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Conclusion: IPC knowledge was adequate among health science students at IIUM, although certain IPC components still require improvement. Additional IPC educational materials and workshops should be added to all faculties' syllabi to address this issue.

Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practices on infection prevention and control in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Faranah regional hospital and associated healthcare centers, Guinea

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO launched a strategic preparedness and response plan, outlining public health measures to support countries worldwide. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of becoming infected and their behaviour regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) influences infection dynamics. IPC strategies are important across the globe, but even more in low-resource settings where capacities for testing and treatment are limited. Our study aimed to assess and implement COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response measures in Faranah, Guinea, primarily focusing on healthcare workers’ IPC knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP).MethodsThe study was conducted between April 2020 and April 2021 assessing IPC pandemic preparedness and response measures such as healthcare workers’ KAP, alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) consumption and COVID-19 triaging in the Faranah Regional Hospital and two associated healthcare centres. The assessment was accompanied by IPC training and visual workplace reminders and done in pre- and post- phases to evaluate possible impact of these IPC activities.ResultsThe overall knowledge score in the Faranah Regional Hospital was 32.0 out of 44 at baseline, and did not change in the first, but increased significantly by 3.0 points in the second follow-up. The healthcare workers felt closer proximity to SARS-CoV-2 overtime in addition to higher stress levels in all study sites. There was significant improvement across the observed triaging practices. Hand hygiene compliance showed a significant increase across study sites leading to 80% in Faranah Regional Hospital and 63% in healthcare centers. The average consumption of ABHR per consultation was 3.29 mL with a peak in February 2020 of 23 mL.ConclusionDespite increased stress levels among HCWs, the ongoing IPC partnership well prepared the FRH in terms of triaging processes with a stronger impact on IPC practice than on theoretical knowledge. Throughout the pandemic, global shortages and surges in consumption did not affect the continuous ABHR provision of the FRH. This highlights local ABHR production as a key pandemic preparedness strategy.

Academic-practice partnership: Exploring a model for collaborative nursing education in infection prevention and control

The academic-practice partnership has become increasingly important in nursing education. An academic-practice partnership between a health systems infection prevention and control (IPC) department and its academic affiliate may provide an opportunity to help advance undergraduate nursing student’s IPC knowledge and skills and provide IPC staff the opportunity to develop their clinical teaching skills as they teach and mentor students. We convened an exploratory workshop between our private university-based college of nursing and its affiliated health care system IPC department to brainstorm and identify areas for mutual collaboration and gauge interest in formalizing a partnership.

ChatGPT in hospital infection prevention and control – assessing knowledge of an AI model based on a validated questionnaire

Introduction and aim. An AI model like ChatGPT is a good source of knowledge. We can explore the potential of AI models to complement the expertise of healthcare professionals by providing real-time, evidence-based information in infection prevention and control (IPC). Material and methods. This study involved 110 queries related to IPC, validated by subject experts in IPC. The responses from ChatGPT were evaluated using Bloom’s taxonomy by experienced microbiologists. The scores were divided as 4 as a good response. Statistical analysis was done by correlation coefficient and Cohen’s Kappa. Results. The overall score was 4.33 (95% CI, q1 3.65–q3 4.64) indicating ChatGPT’s substantial IPC knowledge. A good response (i.e.>4 score) was found in 70 (63.6%) questions, while in 10 (9%) questions, it showed a poor response. The poor response was seen in needle stick injury and personal protective equipment (PPE) doffing-related questions. The overall correlations were found to be significant. Cohen’s Kappa confirmed moderate to substantial agreement between evaluators. Conclusion. ChatGPT demonstrated a commendable understanding of IPC principles in various domains and the study identifies specific instances where the model may require further refinement especially in critical scenarios such as needlestick injuries and PPE doffing.

Connecting pathogen transmission and healthcare worker cognition: a cognitive task analysis of infection prevention and control practices during simulated patient care

BackgroundRelatively little is known about the cognitive processes of healthcare workers that mediate between performance-shaping factors (eg, workload, time pressure) and adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. We...

Infection prevention and control: knowledge, practices and associated factors among cleaners at a National Referral Hospital in Uganda

While most infection prevention and control (IPC) studies focus on healthcare professionals, IPC is everyone's responsibility in any healthcare facility. There is little known about the IPC knowledge among the cleaners who are responsible for housekeeping, environmental cleaning, and waste management within hospitals. This study sought to evaluate the knowledge and practice of IPC among cleaners at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) to establish a foundation for empowering a strategic workforce that will improve IPC practices within the hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the cleaners in a national referral hospital in Uganda. The participants were purposively sampled, and data was collected using a web-based, interviewer-administered, questionnaire about IPC knowledge and practices. Of the 120 cleaners recruited, 52.5% were female. Good IPC knowledge was demonstrated in 58.3%, and 30.8% reported good IPC practices. Participants with at least 5 years' work experience had higher knowledge levels (aOR: 10.3, P=0.006, 95% CI: 2-54). Those closely supervised had lower IPC knowledge compared with those with less supervision. Participants with fixed work schedules (aOR: 0.2, P=0.028, 95%CI: 0-0.8), were less likely to exhibit good IPC practices. In addition, 63.1% were knowledgeable about waste segregation, recognising bin colours and the correct disposal of sharps and needles. Despite good compliance with personal protective equipment, poor hand-washing practices were reported. A positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores was established. Hospital cleaners in a national referral hospital in Uganda IPC reported poor infection prevention practices despite good knowledge. For IPC knowledge and practice to correlate positively, ongoing practical training is vital to maintain knowledge and good practice to establish a successful IPC program.

Identification of key potential risk areas and key potential failure modes in hemodialysis rooms by the FMEA method following routine prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hemodialysis is an important part of nosocomial infection prevention and control (IPC). This study aimed to identify the key potential risk areas and failure modes in hemodialysis rooms in hospitals and put forward a series of improvement measures to prevent and control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hemodialysis patients are highly susceptible to COVID-19 and usually have a high incidence of severe illness and mortality after infection with COVID-19. Therefore, IPC in hemodialysis patients is of crucial strategic significance. Based on 30 domain experts' interviews and careful analysis of prevention and control documents, we constructed a comprehensive failure system for a model that identifies the potential risks for nosocomial COVID-19 infection in the hemodialysis room. Subsequently, a thorough risk assessment of the potential failure factors identified in our model was conducted. The failure key factors corresponding to the human element in medical waste (garbage) disposal (C2) are verified to be the highest risk factors. They are as follows: The cleaning staff did not dispose of different types of medical waste (garbage) (C21), did not wear masks according to the regulations (C22), and lacked knowledge and norms of nosocomial IPC (C23). This study provides valuable insights for hospital decision-makers on the potential failure factors related to COVID-19 infections in hemodialysis rooms. By working with hospital infection specialists, the suggested improvement measures can help reduce the risk of virus exposure among hospital medical staff, patients, and cleaning staff.

Knowledge and Practice of Infection Prevention and Control among Healthcare Workers in Secondary Healthcare Facilities in Southern Cross River State Nigeria

Abstract Background: Globally, millions of people are affected annually by health-care-associated infections, many of which could be avoided by strict compliance with standard infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge and practice of IPC among secondary health-care workers (HCWs) in Southern Cross River State. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire was used in conjunction with a descriptive cross-sectional design to collect data from 336 health-care personnel. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyse the generated data. Results: The results show that 58% of the respondents had a high knowledge level of IPC and 52.4% exhibited a high level of standard IPC practice. About 53% reported that IPC protocols were available in their facility. No association was found between sociodemographic characteristics of HCWs and their practice of standard IPC practice except for sex. A significant association was found between sex and level of IPC practice (P = 0.015), the male HCWs had higher practice of IPC than their female counterparts. Although no association was found between knowledge and practice of IPC among the HCWs, the level of practice was, however, higher among the doctors than the nurses who had a higher level of knowledge on IPC. A logistic regression analysis further showed that only sex was significant (P = 0.021) in influencing a high level of IPC practice among the HCWs in this study. Conclusion: It is, therefore, imperative for health-care facility leadership to organise training and retraining programs on IPC to improve knowledge and compliance among HCWs, especially in the face of emerging infectious diseases in Nigeria.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A QUESTIONNAIRE THAT SURVEYED DENTAL ASSISTANTS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES WITHIN SOUTH AFRICAN ORAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Objective: In-depth research was conducted to find a suitable tool for measuring the knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection prevention and control (IPC) among dental assistants within oral healthcare facilities (OHCFs) in South Africa. However, the results were unsatisfactory, indicating the need to develop and validate a unique questionnaire for this purpose. This article explains the process followed to develop and validate a questionnaire designed to survey knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in Health Sciences. Methods: To develop and validate a questionnaire, the researcher conducted a literature review to understand the process involved. The initial version of the questionnaire was then drafted. In order to assess its reliability and validity, both objective and subjective evaluations were conducted. A total of 25 individuals formed part of the respective review panels, including five academics, two infection prevention and control experts, five dentists, seven oral hygienists, and six dental assistants from public and private OHCFs. These individuals performed the subjective evaluations of the draft questionnaire. The draft questionnaire was then administered to a group of 60 dental students from the Central University of Technology (CUT). The data obtained from this group enabled the researcher to perform further objective evaluations by applying statistical measures using a Microsoft Excel programme. The reliability of items in the Knowledge domain was determined by the Kuder Richardson (KR20) test, with Cronbach’s alpha applied to items within the Attitude and Practice domains. A conservative approach to the interrater agreement (IRA) assessed the overall reliability. A panel of reviewers determined the face validity. Content validity was determined by the average congruency percentage (ACP), item content validity (I-CVI) and scale content validity (S-CVI). Results: The final questionnaire addressed seven IPC themes and encompassed 188 items. The tests to determine the instrument’s reliability yielded satisfactory results. The KR-20 score ranged between 0.94 and 0.65. The Cronbach’s alpha for items probing Attitude ranged between 0.99 and 0.86, and Cronbach’s alpha for items investigating IPC practices ranged between 0.97 and 0.69. The alternative approach to the IRA yielded 91%, and the conservative approach was 74%. Similarly, the tests to determine the validity of the questionnaire also yielded satisfactory results, with an ACP of 94%, above 90% I-CVI for readability, clarity, and feasibility and the S-CVI of 74%. Conclusion: The results of the reliability and validity tests confirmed that the questionnaire is suitable to measure the IPC knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental assistants.

Assessing the Mpox and Infection Prevention and Control Knowledge of Personal Service Establishments' Operators in Metro Vancouver Regional District of British Columbia

Mpox virus, formerly known as the Monkeypox virus, is a re-emerging pathogen that causes the infectious disease Mpox. Mpox was designated as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization due to its rapid spread outside West and Central Africa. Personal service establishments (PSEs) could be a setting for exposure to Mpox because some of their services involve direct contact with their patrons. The aim of this research was to investigate the infection prevention and control (IPAC) and Mpox knowledge levels among PSE operators and to determine the associations between IPAC knowledge, Mpox knowledge, years of experience, and point-of-service risk assessment

Practical nurse students’ misconceptions about infection prevention and control

AbstractWhen teaching infection prevention and control (IPC), nursing education tends to focus on skills and fostering good practice rather than challenging students’ thinking. Therefore, students’ misconceptions about IPC receive less attention than they deserve. The purpose of the study was to make an inventory of student nurses’ misconceptions about IPC before instruction and to make these misconceptions visible to teachers. The study was conducted in one vocational institute in Finland and is based on the answers of 29 practical nurse students before IPC training. The students took an online test requiring them to justify their answers to two multiple-true–false questions: 1) What is the main route of transmission between patients in healthcare facilities, and 2) What is the most effective and easiest manner to prevent the spreading of pathogens, e.g., multi-resistant bacteria in long-term care facilities? Analysis of the students’ written justifications resulted in three mental models: 1) the Household Hygiene Model manifesting lay knowledge learned in domestic situations, 2) the Mixed Model consisting of lay knowledge, enriched with some professional knowledge of IPC, and 3) the Transmission Model manifesting a professional understanding of IPC. The first two mental models were considered to be misconceptions. Only one of the participants showed a professional understanding (i.e., the Transmission Model). To conclude, student nurses manifested systematic patterns of misconceptions before instruction. Unless the students are confronted with their misconceptions of IPC during instruction, it is likely that these misconceptions will impede their learning or make learning outcomes transient.

Oregon Project Firstline: A needs assessment of healthcare personnel infection prevention knowledge and training preferences

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) competency is critical for healthcare personnel (HCP) and patient safety. In collaboration with the CDC new national IPC training collaborative called Project Firstline, the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Program established a state-level program in 2021. The goal of Oregon Project Firstline is to provide relevant, accessible, and engaging IPC training materials for our state’s HCP. We assessed the IPC learning needs of Oregon’s healthcare workforce, and to understand the preferred methods and formats of training across the various HCP roles. Methods: OHA’s HAI program recruited HCP by distributing electronic surveys through multiple healthcare, regulatory, and public health partners’ email listservs and HCP-targeted newsletters. Survey responses were recorded from September 23 to December 10, 2021. The HAI program assessed respondents’ IPC knowledge, online and in-person job training preferences, frequently used training devices, and trusted sources for IPC information. An individual’s understanding of an IPC topic was categorized based on their self-assessed confidence in their knowledge and ability to teach the topic to others. In total, 6,382 surveyed responses were analyzed. Results: The average understanding among HCP was lowest in IPC topics relating to triage and isolation of contagious patients and fit testing of respiratory protection devices. For these topics, 3,208 HCP (66.21%) and 3,657 HCP (75.48%) HCP, respectively, did not understand the topic well enough to teach others (Fig. 1). The highest number of HCP (n = 2,512, 39.36%) requested additional training in methods on how to educate others about IPC topics (ie, “train the trainer”). Surveyed respondents most frequently used personal computers for job trainings in both work and at-home settings (n = 4,603, 72.12%) and 3,437 HCP (53.85%) were open to either in-person or remote formats for job education. The CDC and OHA were the most frequented and trusted IPC sources among surveyed HCP: 4,124 HCP (64.62%) and 3,584 HCP (56.16%), respectively. Conclusions: IPC is a critical topic in HCP training across all healthcare facility types and employee roles. Effective educational planning includes understanding the learners’ knowledge needs and preferred methods of learning. Our learning needs assessment identified important IPC knowledge gaps and will help ensure that our training courses will be offered in effective educational formats for Oregon’s diverse HCP. Future training will include appropriate triage of potentially infectious patients, respiratory fit testing, and general IPC “train the trainer” sessions. Additionally, we will offer both in-person and remote options.Disclosures: None

Intensive care unit nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 infection prevention and control.

Intensive care units (ICUs) had to rapidly adapt infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To determine ICU nurses' COVID-19 IPC-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. A mixed-methods study was conducted at the Groote Schuur Hospital ICU, Cape Town, South Africa (20 April 2021 and 30 May 2021). Participants completed anonymous, self-administered, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaires. Individual interviews were conducted regarding nurses' lived experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 IPC in critical care. In total, 116 ICU nurses participated (93.5% response rate) including 57 professional nurses (49%), 34 enrolled nurses (29%) and 25 enrolled nursing assistants (22%); young females (31-49 years) predominating (n = 99; 85.3%). Nurses' overall COVID-19 IPC knowledge scores were moderately good (78%); professional nurses had greater knowledge of COVID-19 transmission (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit nurses' attitude scores towards COVID-19 IPC were low (55%), influenced by limited IPC training, insufficient time to implement IPC and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents' scores for self-reported COVID-19 IPC practices were moderate (65%); highest compliance rates were for hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings (68%). Only 47% ICU nurses underwent N95 respirator fit-testing despite working in a COVID-19 ICU. Regular COVID-19 IPC training is needed to equip ICU nurses with the knowledge and skills to prevent healthcare-associated COVID-19 transmission. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support more favourable attitudes and better IPC practices. Comprehensive IPC and occupational health support should be offered to ensure ICU nurses' wellbeing during pandemics. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support better attitudes and IPC practices.

Audit of essential infection prevention and control content provided within undergraduate/postgraduate public health programs across Australian and New Zealand universities.

To describe and analyse the infection prevention and control (IPC) curricula within Public Health degrees across Australian and New Zealand Universities and identify foundational IPC knowledge deficits. A cross-sectional study of public health and related programs across tertiary education institutions within Australia and New Zealand was conducted to comprehensively illustrate the current inclusion of IPC core and elective courses and identify areas of IPC content deficit. Australian (n=32) and New Zealand (n=9) universities were audited, consisting of 217 public health/public health related degrees within Australia and 45 within New Zealand. Within Australia 41% of public health degrees and 49% in New Zealand did not offer any IPC content as core or elective subjects. Public health tertiary education in Australia and New Zealand is lacking in equipping and imbedding IPC skills and knowledge in public health graduates. This highlights the need for a framework guiding mandatory IPC content within Australian and New Zealand public health programs.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of infection prevention and control among healthcare workers during the COVID 19 pandemic: a descriptive cross-sectional study in three Nigerian states

BackgroundEmergence of the COVID-19 pandemic created unexpected challenges for health care workers. The global and national supply chain system was disrupted, and affected infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices. This study aimed at documenting health workers knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on IPC in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe descriptive, mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in Ebonyi, Ondo and Niger states in October 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered to the health workers, complemented by semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed in Atlas.ti. Quantitative data were entered into REDCap and cleaned, transformed and analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 25.0 Findings from the qualitative interviews were used to explain the trends observed from quantitative study.ResultsThere were demographic differences between community and facility-based health workers in our population. A greater proportion of facility-based providers reported having IPC training compared to community-based health workers ever (p < 0.01) and during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Health care workers had moderate knowledge of general IPC, and attitudes toward and practice of IPC during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the knowledge of the relative effectiveness of prevention measures was low. The mean knowledge scores were greater among facility-based workers compared to community based healthcare workers (p = 0.001). Self-reported IPC practices increased during the pandemic compared to prior to the pandemic, with the exception of the use of N-95 masks and hand sanitizer.ConclusionThis study found moderate IPC knowledge, attitudes and practices in our study population during the pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic for the study found gaps in correct hand hygienevaried application of different IPC practices to ensure adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The study recommends sustained training for IPC and encourages policy makers that budget line specific to COVID-19 response across all the levels of health care delivery will enhance compliance and emergency readiness.