Infection Control knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Healthcare Workers in Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt “Quality Improvement Project”

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare settings is a critical aspect of patient and healthcare workers (HCWs) safety. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards IPC among HCWs play a significant role. However, the gap between knowledge and practices indicates the need for regular IPC training and audit. Objectives: The aim was to assess the efficiency of training sessions on IPC knowledge, attitude and practice among HCWs. Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental pre-and post-intervention study to assess KAP of nurses and hospital workers. Awareness sessions were implemented in 5 hospitals and 2 structured questionnaires had been administered; one before and one after sessions. Comparative analysis was done between pre- and post-intervention data. Results: In a project involving 134 participants, 38.80% fall within age group of 40-49 years. Two-thirds of participants had previous infection control training and 34.33% reported infection during work. Pre-campaign, 97% had knowledge that IPC standards should be implemented; post-campaign, they reached 100%. There was a statistically significant (p ≤0.0018) decrease in the approval of recapping needles. After sessions, 96% of participants had positive attitude that adherence to IPC standards, protects staff and patients (82% before sessions). HCWs showed statistically significant improvement after sessions towards practices of handwashing, blood spill, glove usage, disposal of sharps (0.005, 0.009, 0.003, ≤0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Following interventions, the majority of hospital staff had improved KAP towards IPC. Practices of nurses, in particular, must be improved through continuous training and practice auditing.