Knowledge Of Infection Control Research Articles

Improving the knowledge of and compliance with infection control for emerging respiratory infectious diseases among nursing students using importance-performance analysis: A descriptive survey study

BackgroundDue to a lack of prior training on emerging respiratory infectious diseases (ERIDs), systematic nursing guidelines, supplies, and manpower, nurses experienced extreme physical and psychological stress while providing care to patients with infectious diseases during the pandemic. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge of and compliance with infection control for ERIDs among nursing students, as well as identify the priorities in infection control knowledge and compliance using importance-performance analysis (IPA), to prepare supporting data for developing infection control training programs for ERIDs. DesignThis descriptive survey used IPA to examine nursing students' knowledge of infection control priorities and ERID compliance. SettingThe participants were recruited from a convenience sample of first- to fourth-year nursing majors from one region of South Korea. ParticipantsData were collected from 481 nursing students through a questionnaire survey conducted between May 3 and June 30, 2022. MethodsData were examined using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, a one-way analysis of variance, and IPA. ResultsThe IPA results showed that among 12 items related to nursing students' knowledge of infection control for ERIDs, item #1 (definition of ERID) belonged to quadrant C (low priority), whereas all other items (items #2–12) belonged to quadrant A (concentrate here). Among 12 items related to compliance with infection control for ERIDs, items #2 (hand hygiene) and #3 (mask wearing) belonged to quadrant B (keep up the good work), whereas the remaining 10 items belonged to quadrant A (concentrate here). ConclusionIn order to improve nursing students' knowledge of and compliance with infection control for ERIDs, infection control training with more specific material should replace the present curriculum in South Korea.

Knowledge of Infection Control among Female Dental Assistants in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

Infection prevention must be a top concern in all dental settings, regardless of the level of care offered, and all settings must be set up to follow standard precautions and other infection prevention guidelines. This study's objective was to evaluate dental assistants' knowledge with infection control guidelines. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional survey of female dental assistants was carried out. To collect information on knowledge of infection control, a 27-question survey was given out from January to March 2023. Comparisons that were both descriptive and statistical were made. The sample for the study included 125 female dental assistants. Among participants, correctly knew the essentials of infection control scored 88%. The percentage of correct responses for the understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE) was high (97%). The least amount of knowledge (82%) was possessed about sterilizing dental equipment. No statistically significant differences were found between any of the comparisons. With limitations, we concluded from the study that, with an overall score of 88%, the participants were knowledgeable on ways to decrease infection in dental clinics. Promoting infection control practices, risk awareness education, and initiatives that encourage the adoption of all precautions should be prioritized. Dental assistants need to have more information given how crucial infection control is to their field of work.

Infection Prevention and Control Practices and Associated Factors Among Healthcare Cleaners in Gondar City: An Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Ethiopia.

Healthcare-associated infections are a global health problem and are more prevalent in developing countries such as Ethiopia, but there is a paucity of research on the infection prevention practices of cleaning staff. Therefore, this study aimed to assess infection prevention and control practices and associated factors among cleaners working in healthcare facilities in Gondar City, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare cleaning staff from May to June 2022. A total of 428 cleaners took part in the survey. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using Stata version 14 software. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at <0.05 p-value and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among the 390 study participants included, 294 (75.1%) were female. Of the surveyed participants, 186 (47.7%) had good knowledge of infection prevention and control practices. This study revealed that out of the 390 healthcare cleaners, 204 (52.3%) had good infection prevention and control practices with 52.3% [95% CI (47.2, 56.4)]. Good knowledge of infection prevention and control [AOR: 1.56, 95% CI (1.03, 2.37)] and the availability of infection prevention and control guidelines in the workplace [AOR: 1.54, 95% CI (1.01, 2.33)] were significant factors associated with infection prevention and control practice. The present study found that almost half of the healthcare cleaners had poor IPC practices. The finding underlines the importance of good IPC knowledge and the accessibility of IPC guidelines to improve IPC practices among healthcare cleaning staff. The findings of this study also highlight that behavioral change interventions and paying attention, particularly to nonclinical staff such as cleaners in health care settings, are critical to reducing infection in health care settings.

Hygienic practices among consultant anesthetists in teaching hospitals of Sindh Pakistan

Background: Infection susceptibility during anesthesia administration and surgical procedures continues to be a primary cause of morbidity and mortality, despite the advent of prophylactic antibiotics and advanced technology. During surgery, nosocomial infections frequently result in sepsis, highlighting the importance of Operation Theatre (OT) sanitation. Objectives: To evaluate the hygienic practices of anesthesiologists operating in teaching hospitals in Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: Using cross-sectional design, six-month survey of consultant anesthetists in Sindh's numerous educational institutions was conducted. A thorough, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on aspects of sanitation practices including knowledge of infection control, existing practices, perceived obstacles, and adherence to guidelines. Utilizing a sequential sampling procedure, participants meeting specific eligibility criteria were selected to represent a wide range of demographics, socioeconomic statuses, and healthcare delivery contexts. Results: The study contributed to closing the disparity between global standards and actual practices, thereby aligning with the global initiative to improve anesthesia hygiene practices. A total of 83 consultants were approached, but 18 declined, culminating in the analysis of data from 65 participants. Their mean age was 49.27+11.17 years. Participants were predominantly employed in private institutions (n=43) and had an average of 13.97 (SD=10.24) years of experience (p&gt; 0.05).

Volunteers, religious communities and users representatives as an alternative for visiting hospitalized patients: The importance of an infection control training.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the suspension of relatives' visits was a common measure in healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of the virus among patients. This measure caused significant adverse consequences for hospitalized patients. Volunteers' intervention was an alternative but could also lead to cross transmission events. in order to secure their intervention with patients, we implemented an infection control training to evaluate and to improve the knowledge of volunteers about infection control measures. We performed a before-after study in a group of five tertiary referral teaching hospitals in the suburbs of Paris. A total of 226 volunteers from three groups (religious representatives, civilian volunteers and users' representatives) were included. Basic theoretical and practical knowledge about infection control, hand hygiene, and glove and mask use were evaluated just before and immediately after a three-hour training program. The contribution of the characteristics of the volunteers to the results was studied. The initial conformity rate for theoretical and practical infection control measures ranged from 53% to 68%, depending on the participants' activity status and education level. Some critical shortcomings in hand hygiene as well as mask and glove wearing putatively endangered the patients and volunteers. Surprisingly, serious gaps were also identified among volunteers who experienced care activities. Regardless of their origin, the program significantly improved both their theoretical and practical knowledge (p<0.001). Real-life observance and long-term sustainability should be monitored. To become a secure alternative to relatives' visits, volunteers' interventions must be preceded by the assessment of their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in infection control. Additional study, including practice audit, must confirm the implementation of the acquired knowledge in the real-life.

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.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES IN INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG HEALTH-CARE WORKERS AT THE GOVERNMENT TEACHING HOSPITAL, VISAKHAPATNAM

Objectives: The purpose of this questionnaire-based study is to assess frontline healthcare professionals’ knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control policies and procedures. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which the knowledge and practices of the study group (Doctors, Nurses, and Laboratory Technicians) were assessed using an electronic Google form questionnaire. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: There were 67 doctors, 18 laboratory technicians, and 35 nurses among the 120 responses analyzed. The majority of respondents (67%) were females and majority (50%) were between the ages of 21 and 30 years, with a mean age of 28. Among the respondents, 67% participated in training programs and 28% completed a certified course in infection prevention control. The majority (95%) were aware of all the standard precautions. Knowledge levels on hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and biomedical waste management were 85%, 77%, and 62% respectively. In comparison to knowledge, their attitudes toward infection control were lower (81%). In this study, only 70% of participants followed WHO guidelines for hand washing. More than 74% are familiar with the single-handed scoop technique for recapping needles. Only 50% know correct sequence of donning and doffing of PPE. Conclusion: The study participants have gaps in their knowledge and application of infection control. It would be beneficial for all HCW to receive formal and refresher training periodically.

Assessment on infection prevention and control knowledge among medical professionals in south Indian population.

Healthcare workers are always at higher risk of biological exposure as the healthcare setting is hazardous, and it is impracticable to exclude infection. Poor compliance with standard precautions among healthcare workers is one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections. This study analyzed the gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection control among healthcare workers and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, internet, and social media usage on infection control. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st March 2022 among various healthcare professionals using a self-administered structured questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice on infection control. The impact of COVID-19, Internet, and social media usage on infection control practices was also analyzed. Among 382 healthcare workers who participated in the study, 89.4% of the participants had good knowledge, 55.26% had a neutral attitude, and all showed good practice levels on infection control. Similarly, the result showed that internet and social media usage during COVID-19 had significantly enhanced the knowledge, attitude, and practice on infection control. Healthcare professionals must be frequently updated on infection control guidelines and routine training programs. The hospital's adherence to the Joint Commission International (JCI) guidelines reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections. As observed in this study, due to the prominent influence of social media and the internet, these platforms can be exploited to provide training and awareness to healthcare professionals and the public.

The Effectiveness of an Instructional Program on Nurses Knowledge and Practice Infection Control and the care of neonate

Analyze the impact of a newborn intensive care unit nurse education program on the nurses' infection control knowledge and practice. Theoretical/Probabilistic (pre-test and post-test for the study group). Both Al-Mussawi Hospital and Bint Al-Huda Maternity Hospital in Nasiriya city housed two of Nasiriya's pediatric hospitals for the research. A total of 50 nurses were included in the research. A questionnaire and a checklist were used to gather the data (to measure practice). Analyses of the data were carried out utilizing SPSS version 19 (SPSS). The knowledge of nurses was significantly different between the pre- and post-tests (P&lt; 0.05). 18 (36 %) of the nurses correctly answered the sterilization definition prior to attending the training, but 47 (94 %) correctly answered the definition after attending the program. Disinfectant, per dictionary definition After attending the session, 38 (78 %) of the nurses gave the proper definition of disinfectant, compared to 14 (28 %) of the nurses gave the correct response before attending the program. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered a common precaution in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Before the program, the percentage of nurses who properly answered questions concerning standard precautions and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in NICU care was lower than the increased percentage of nurses' answers following the course. After a pre- and post-test assessment, the mean value of nurses' replies to the first statement (definition of sterilization) was (0.69

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of infection prevention and control among radiographers in a resource constraint setting in Namibia.

Radiographers' role as healthcare workers places them at constant risk for hospital-acquired infections. Practical, evidence-based methods are necessary to reduce the transmission of pathogens to and from patients and healthcare workers. The main objectives of this study were to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice levels regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies among radiographers in Windhoek and Oshakati, and measure their relationships with other variables. A quantitative descriptive design was employed. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice levels among radiographers, a self-administered questionnaire was used. Twenty-seven radiographers took part in the study, producing a 68% response rate. The study revealed that the majority of the radiographers showed an appropriate level of overall knowledge and attitude toward infection prevention and control. However, the majority of their practice levels were poor. Pearson rank correlation test revealed that the radiographers' knowledge was significantly associated with attitudes (P= 0.004; r=0.53) and practices (P=0.03; r=- 0.41) with a moderate positive and negative correlation, respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that radiographers are knowledgeable about IPC strategies, and have good attitudes toward them. However, their practice was poor and inconsistent with the level of knowledge demonstrated. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare service managers establish efficient and rigorous means of monitoring adherence to IPC strategies and improving practices to reduce incidences of health-acquired infections among radiographers, especially in the age of a pandemic.

Response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic of dental hygienists in South Korea-Part III: COVID-19 vaccination intentions.

This cross-sectional study was to determine the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination intention of clinical dental hygienists in South Korea and the factors that influence vaccination intention. COVID-19 vaccination intention of the 500 participants was confirmed through a survey including the following options: 'I will vaccinate (VAC)', 'I will not vaccinate (NoVAC)' and 'I do not know if I should get vaccinated (UNK)'. A Chi-square test was performed to determine whether there were differences in COVID-19 vaccination intention according to the general characteristics of the participants, degree of infection control knowledge (Score-K) and practice (Score-P) in response to COVID-19, fears over COVID-19 (Fear-C) and the level of anxiety before (GADBefore ) and after (GADAfter ) the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors affecting VAC and NoVAC by setting the base category as UNK. The p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. According to the analysis, 44.8%, 18.8% and 36.4% of participants selected VAC, NoVAC and UNK respectively. There were significant differences in vaccination intention according to age, monthly income, residential area, symptoms related to COVID-19, Score-K, Fear-C and GADBefore . Compared to UNK, < $2000 monthly income, Score-K and Fear-C variables significantly influenced the opinion of VAC. Compared to the answer UNK, monthly incomes of $2000 to $2360 and $2360 to $2730 in residential areas significantly influenced the opinion of NoVAC. The variables influencing vaccination intention were monthly income, residential area, Score-K and Fear-C.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Perceived Benefits of Interventional Structured Infection Prevention and Control Training Module Introduced in the Undergraduate Medical Curricula.

Assessing and improving infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge and practicing skills among medical students who are the future medical practitioners is crucial for reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In this study, we assessed the IPC knowledge of undergraduate clinical-year medical students before and after interventional IPC modular training and evaluated the effectiveness and students' perception on structured modular IPC training presented to them. This cross-sectional interventional study was conducted on single medical cohort comprising of 145 final-year undergraduate medical students of the academic year 2022-23 at COMHS. Pre-test, post-test, and feedback questionnaire were used as the assessing tools. The data were collected, entered into Excel sheet, and analyzed using SPSS software version 22. McNemar and Paired-T tests were carried out, and a p value<0.05 was considered significant. Feedback of the questionnaire was analyzed using 3 Point Likert Scale as agree, neutral, and disagree. Overall, mean IPC knowledge scores after training (37.65±1.37) was significantly higher as compared to before training (25.13±4.51). Prior knowledge scores on certain aspects of IPC such as duration of hand washing, steps of hand washing, sequence of donning and doffing of PPE, use of N95 mask, and appropriate sharp and needle precautions, and biomedical waste management were varied from 13.6% to 65.6%. However, overall participants' knowledge (p value <0.001) on these aspects increased significantly after the training. The majority of the participants (>90%) perceived IPC training as an excellent tool to improve IPC knowledge and practicing skills. IPC training had a significant impact in gaining adequate IPC knowledge and practicing skills among our participants. Therefore, it is recommended that IPC training should be implemented in the undergraduate medical curriculum with greater emphasis on practicing skills.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge regarding Infection control among First year B.Sc. Nursing Students at selected Nursing Colleges with a view to develop an Instructional Package on Infection control

The research project under took was “A descriptive study to assess the knowledge regarding infection control among first year BSc nursing students at selected nursing colleges with a view to develop an instructional package on infection control.” The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge regarding infection control among first year B. Sc nursing students in selected nursing colleges at Kollam, to find the association between knowledge scores with selected demographic variables such as age, gender, education, place of residence and socioeconomic status, non-experimental survey design was adopted for this study. A quantitative approach was used in the study. The study was conducted among 50 first year B.Sc nursing who were studying in Bishop Benziger College of Nursing at Kollam. In order to assess the knowledge of first year B.Sc.nursing students, the study sample was selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. The researcher collected the data using self- structured questionnaire regarding knowledge of infection control. The tool was found to be reliable. The study result shows that 18% of sample had poor knowledge, 64% had average knowledge, 18% had good knowledge, regarding infection control among first year B.Sc nursing students in selected nursing colleges of Kerala and there was no significant association between age, gender, education, place of residence and socio economic status at 0.05 level of significance. Based on the findings the investigators have drawn implication which were of vital concerns in the field of nursing practice, nursing administration and nursing education for future development.

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.

Infection control knowledge and practices among radiographers at government hospitals in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionInfections acquired in hospitals are a major concern for patients, professionals and policymakers. They have an impact on the morbidity and mortality rates, length of stay, and microbial resistance. Radiology departments are at high risk for nosocomial infections, and radiographers must adhere to infection control protocols to avoid contracting illnesses and the spread of pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographers' knowledge and practise of infection control and standard precautions in the Gaza Strip-Palestine government hospitals and to identify the factors that impede radiographers' implementation of infection control. MethodsA hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study design was applied. A self-administered questionnaire survey with 24 items was developed and distributed to examine radiographers' knowledge and practise of nosocomial infections control and standard precautions from September 2019 to February 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated using SPSS version 20. ResultsWith a response rate of 86.6%, 73 males and 37 females out of a total of 127 radiographers participated in this study. The vast majority of radiographers, 86 (78.2%), have never been trained in infection control. Total levels of knowledge and practise were 74.4% and 65.2%, respectively which corresponded to moderate levels. Age had a statistically significant impact on both knowledge and practise scores (P = 0.002 and p = 0.019, respectively). In addition, the differences between radiographers' years of work experience and their ratings on knowledge and practise were statistically significant (P = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). A heavy workload, insufficient time, and a lack of training were the main barriers to implementing infection control measures in hospitals. ConclusionPalestinian radiographers reported a moderate level of knowledge and practise of infection control. The majority of radiographers have never had formal infection control training. Implications for practiceThis paper has highlighted the need for a continuing education and training programme for practising radiographers to improve their performance in infection control measures.

Development and validation of the regarding infection prevention and control among environmental service workers on knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience questionnaire.

This study aimed to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practise, and Experience regarding Infection Prevention and Control-associated Questionnaire for environmental service workers. This study was a development and validation study of a questionnaire using multiple methods, including literature review, questionnaire survey, and Delphi technique. Phase I of the study entailed the development of items through an extensive literature review and two round Delphi process with 15 experts specialised in infection prevention and control, environmental service worker management, or scale construction to examine the content validity of the questionnaire. Phase II involved administering the questionnaire to a convenience sample of 1,176 environmental service workers from the public hospital from 13 provinces in China to evaluate its construct validity and reliability. In the two rounds of Delphi consultation, the recovery rate were 93.75 and 100%. Moreover, the expert authority coefficient was 0.93, and the coordination coefficients of expert opinions in the first round were as follows: correlation of 0.204 and importance of 0.249 for the first-level index; correlation of 0.128 and importance of 0.142 for the secondary index. In round two, the coordination coefficients of expert opinions were as follows: correlation of 0.221 and importance of 0.221 for the first-level indicators; correlation of 0.096 and importance of 0.101 for the secondary index. The results for the index were P < 0.05 for the two rounds. The pilot survey shows the instrument was excellent content validity (S-CVI/Ave = 0.989). The overall internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.967). The questionnaire ultimately comprised four first-level indices (knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience) and 49 second-level indices. The Questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity and is effective in measuring levels of infection prevention and control-related knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience among environmental service workers. It will provide a tool for future national investigations of the current infection prevention and control situation among environmental service workers. Future research should explore determinants of environmental service workers' knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience and associations between infection prevention and control knowledge, attitudes, practises, and experience.

A Study to Assess Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dental Undergraduate Students toward Infection Control

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of infection control among dental undergraduate students and explore the correlation between these variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1000 dental undergraduate students from various dental colleges and universities. Participants were selected using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and mean scores for KAP were calculated. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between KAP scores. Results: The demographic characteristics of the participants were well distributed, with 45.0% of male and 55.0% of female students. Academic years and age groups were evenly represented. The mean knowledge score was 7.45 ± 1.82 out of 10, indicating a high level of knowledge. The attitude mean score was 4.63 ± 0.89 out of 5, reflecting a positive outlook toward infection control. However, the practice mean score was 2.79 ± 0.66 out of 4, suggesting room for improvement in translating knowledge and attitudes into clinical practice. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between knowledge–attitude (r = 0.695, P &lt; 0.001), knowledge–practice (r = 0.537, P &lt; 0.001), and attitude–practice (r = 0.465, P &lt; 0.001) scores. Conclusions: Dental undergraduate students exhibit a good level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward infection control. However, the practical application of infection control measures during clinical training requires further emphasis. Targeted educational interventions can bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, enhancing infection control practices among future dental professionals, and contributing to improved patient safety and health-care quality.

Determining the COVID-19 Knowledge, Awareness and Anxiety Levels of Intern Dentists

Introduction: COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The nature of dentistry leads to close contact with patients and exposure to saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids during treatment processes and it is a field where high-frequency devices that can make it easier for virus contamination are used. This study aims to determine the knowledge and approaches of COVID-19 infection control of intern dentists who have begun face-to-face education and their COVID-19-related fear and anxiety levels. Methods: The study comprised 4th and 5th-year students who began face-to-face education at the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry 2020/2021 spring semester. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool for this study. The data were collected using a knowledge questionnaire and a COVID-19 fear and anxiety scale. Results: The average COVID-19 knowledge score of the students was 63.65±9.64, their coronavirus fear average score was 17.63±5.57, and their anxiety average score was found to be 2.37±3.32. A positive relationship was found between the anxiety scores and the COVID-19 fear scores. The results of this study show that the COVID-19 knowledge level and fear of dentistry students are moderate and that their COVID-19 anxiety level is low. Conclusion: It was found that the knowledge and fear of coronavirus levels of intern dentistry students were moderate and that their coronavirus anxiety level was low.

Analysis of hospital infection knowledge, beliefs, behavior, and influencing factors among healthcare workers in Chinese medicine hospitals in Hunan Province

ObjectivesThis study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of healthcare workers related to hospital infection in Chinese medicine hospitals in Hunan Province. We analyzed the influencing factors and made rational suggestions to improve the healthcare workers’ ability for hospital infection prevention and control in Chinese medicine hospitals based on knowledge, beliefs, and action models. MethodsThe survey participants were selected using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. In the first stage, 14 tertiary-level hospitals and 42 tertiary-level hospitals in Hunan Province were selected, and 56 TCM hospitals at provincial, municipal, and county levels were finally covered. In the second stage, 2253 Medical personnel were selected as survey participants from January 2022 to January 2023. The network questionnaire was used to investigate the current knowledge, attitude, and behavior of hospital infection prevention and control by self-compiled questionnaire. ResultsAccording to the self-prepared questionnaire, the survey results show that 2253 Medical personnel scored 35.88 ± 8.96, 98.12 ± 24.61, and 112.27 ± 6.31 on knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding hospital infection prevention and control, respectively. There was a linear relationship between knowledge and sex, age, working years, education level, job title, and position, with working experience having the greatest influence. There was a linear relationship between attitudes and working years, education level, job title, position, and hospital level, with working experience having the greatest influence. There was a linear relationship between attitudes and sex, age, working years, education level, job title, and hospital level, with education level having the greatest influence. ConclusionsThe knowledge reserve of medical staff in TCM hospitals should be improved. The level of awareness of nosocomial infection prevention when using traditional Chinese medicine techniques is low. Therefore, training is required to strengthen and enhance awareness regarding hospital infection prevention and control among healthcare workers in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals. Moreover, there is a need to adopt stratified management training for healthcare workers of different ages and educational levels, especially to regulate the behavior of junior healthcare workers.

PS-P12-11: INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS INFECTED WITH COVID-19 IN TONDO MEDICAL CENTER FROM MARCH 2020 TO MAY 2021

Background: COVID-19 has put the lives of our healthcare workers at the forefront of the battle against pandemic. Understanding how this pandemic directly affects them is vital in ensuring safe and continuous provision of service to the public. Reviewing their infection control practices is imperative in protecting their health and the patients they serve. This study aimed to determine the infection control practices of healthcare workers infected with COVID-19 in Tondo Medical Center from March 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: This is descriptive retrospective study involving healthcare workers of Tondo Medical Center infected with COVID-19 from March 2020 to May 2021. Demographic data, exposure history, clinical manifestations and infection control practices data were surveyed, encoded and tabulated. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 425 healthcare workers developed COVID-19 from March 2020 to April 2021. Their mean age was 36.4 years; more female (57.4%) and single (56.0%) staff were affected. Most cases (41.4%) came from or low/lowest risk areas. Three clustering of cases were identified. More than half of the respondents (54.4%) had unknown exposure; housemates/relatives (21.0%) were the most common source of known exposure. Three out of 10 respondents were asymptomatic; majority had mild symptoms (62.2%), the most common of which was the loss of taste/smell (26.5%). Adherence to wearing of mask was highest in the community (99.5%) than in the workplace (93.4%) and least at home (78.3%). Majority practiced social distancing in the community (97.9%) and in the workplace (95.5%). Almost half (58.7%) practiced 1-meter social distancing. Respondents practiced frequent handwashing both at home (92.2%) and in the workplace (91.9%). Only 1–2 out of 10 washed their hands for 40 seconds or more. Majority employed hand hygiene with alcohol-based rub for less than 20 seconds in the workplace (71.6%) and at home (69.5%). Majority (98.3%) performed hand hygiene after coughing or sneezing and used tissue (44.4%). Most of the respondents decontaminated their work area before and after work (66.6%). Alcohol was most used in the workplace (70.7%). More than half (59.6%) ate in the pantry, mostly alone (65.5%). Most cleaned their cellphones daily (88.4%). Majority brought alcohol with them (97.2%) and almost half (47.5%) wore a mask for 4–8 hours. Conclusion: Some gaps have been identified in the knowledge and practices of infection control of healthcare workers infected with COVID-19 at Tondo Medical Center; hence reinforcement programs including refresher trainings and policy enhancement are warranted.