Knowledge and Practice of Infection Control among Nurses at Liaquat Institute of Medical & Health Sciences Hospital, Thatta

Knowledge and Practice of Infection Control among Nurses

Abstract

Background: Infection control in hospitals is crucial for patient and healthcare worker safety, reducing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Nurses play a pivotal role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of infection control among nurses at Liaquat Institute of Medical & Health Sciences Hospital, Thatta.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 30 nurses from various departments using a non-randomized convenience sampling method. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire, covering sociodemographic data and infection control knowledge and practices. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages.
Results: Among the nurses, 66.7% were female, 53.3% were married, and 43.3% held a diploma. While 83.3% had access to infection control guidelines, 93.3% lacked periodic training. Only 63.3% practiced consistent hand hygiene, and 76.7% used PPE during invasive procedures. Misconceptions were prevalent, with 66.7% believing clean water destroys microorganisms.
Conclusion: The study identified significant gaps in infection control knowledge and practices among nurses, highlighting the need for regular training and stricter adherence to protocols.