Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control among Healthcare Workers at CDA Hospital, Islamabad

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and self-reported practices of infection prevention and control (IPC) among healthcare workers at CDA Hospital, Islamabad, and to compare them across professional groups and recent IPC training.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at CDA Hospital, Islamabad, over a period of six months. A total of 163 doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied clinical staff were enrolled through consecutive sampling and completed a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. A score of 70% or more was taken as adequate knowledge, positive attitude and satisfactory practice. The chi-square test, independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were applied, and p?0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The mean age was 31.45 ± 6.66 years, and nurses formed the largest group (39.3%). The mean knowledge score was 5.94 ± 1.68 out of 10, and only 58 (35.6%) participants had adequate knowledge. In contrast, 149 (91.4%) held a positive attitude and 147 (90.2%) reported satisfactory practices. Segregation of waste at source (50.3%) and use of hand rub on visibly soiled hands (52.8%) were the least known items. Participants trained in the preceding two years had higher knowledge scores (6.45 ± 1.60 vs. 5.27 ± 1.54; p<0.001). Scores did not differ by profession. Only 44.2% had received IPC orientation in the past year.

Conclusion: Healthcare workers were well-disposed towards IPC and reported good practice, but their knowledge was weak. Regular, practical IPC training for all cadres, backed by a reliable supply of hand hygiene material and PPE, is needed.