A pilot study on knowledge, attitude and perception regarding infection control practices among medical and nursing students in a teaching hospital

Background: Health care associated infections (HAIs) are a serious complication in hospital settings and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Health care workers (HCW) play an important role in preventing the development and transmission of HAI and ensuring patients’ safety. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) of infection control and prevention practices among medical and nursing students, as well as to determine the factors influencing their attitude. Methods and materials: This was a cross-sectional pilot study conducted among medical and nursing students in University Malaya, Malaysia, from June 2019 to July 2019. The survey tool used was the World Health Organization's hand hygiene and perception questionnaire and was disseminated via an online google form to all study participants. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: A total of 41 out of 366 complete responses were obtained from medical and nursing students (65.9% female and 34.1% males). The median scores for knowledge, attitude and perception were 13, 29 and 41 respectively. 66%, 59% and 63% of the students had higher scores for knowledge, attitude and perception respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis found a significant association between attitude and three variables, namely profession, knowledge and perception. Medical students had a higher attitude score compared to nursing students (OR = 0.049, 95%CI = 0.003-0.732). Participants with higher knowledge scores were more likely to have a higher infection control attitude score compared to those with lower knowledge scores (OR = 6.086, 95%CI = 1.079 – 34.321). Respondents with higher total perception scores were more likely to have higher attitude scores compare to those with lower perception scores of (OR:13.83, (95%Cl = 2.001 – 95.594). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that those with higher knowledge and perception scores are more likely to have a better attitude towards infection prevention and control practices. Therefore, multimodal strategies to educate and increase awareness among students on infection prevention and control practices should be emphasized and implemented.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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