Knowledge Assessment for Infection Prevention and Control among Healthcare Workers in a Rural Hospital
Juveria Sultana, B. Ranga Reddy, Ajitha Reddy Edula, M. Laxmi Prasad, Dinesh Choudhary Popuri, Veda SamhithaAbstract
Introduction:
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is critical for patient safety, especially in high-risk areas such as intensive care units (ICUs), operation theaters, and laboratories in tertiary care hospitals. Healthcare-associated infections contribute significantly to patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. These infections often result from inadequate IPC practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the current state of IPC awareness across various healthcare worker (HCW) cadres in high-risk areas.
Objectives:
(1) To estimate baseline awareness. (2) To identify knowledge gaps across different cadres of HCWs.
Materials and Methods:
An observational prospective study was conducted at a rural hospital for 2 months. A structured questionnaire based on national and international IPC guidelines was distributed via Google Forms to doctors, nurses, technicians, and sanitation staff. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages in Microsoft Excel.
Results:
A total of 24 HCWs participated in the study. The overall IPC awareness rate was 73.84%. Nurses showed the highest awareness at 78.75%, followed by doctors (77.72%), technicians (71.66%), and housekeeping staff (60%). Among departments, dialysis staff had the highest knowledge of IPC practices at 80%, followed by labor room (75%), operating theater (73.57%), ICU (71.66%), and laboratory (69%) staff.
Conclusion:
In this study, the overall knowledge and awareness of IPC was 73.84%, with nurses showing the highest and housekeeping staff the lowest, mainly due to limited education and training. These findings suggest the need for regular IPC training, monitoring, and improved working conditions. Implementing digital tools for tracking and data collection could enhance compliance in IPC practices.