Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding standard precautions among registered nurses in medical and surgical wards: A cross-sectional study

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant global challenge, particularly in low-income countries. Nurses play a crucial role in preventing and controlling HAIs by adhering to standard precautions. However, challenges persist in ensuring consistent implementation among health care workers. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to standard precautions among registered nurses posted in medical and surgical wards and to identify related factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 registered nurses at a district-level hospital in Northern India using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-structured KAP questionnaire on standard precautions. Two-step cluster analysis was employed to categorise the study samples. Differences between the KAP groups were assessed using statistical tests. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the KAP groups. Results: Most nurses (54.3%) belonged to the Poor KAP group, while the remaining 45.7% belonged to the Good KAP group. A significant variation in the KAP clusters was observed according to marital status ( P <0.05). A weak negative correlation was found between the knowledge and attitude scores in both KAP groups ( P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that nurses’ KAP was significantly influenced by their attitude and practice scores. Conclusions: Most nurses exhibited poor knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards standard precautions. Attitude and practices had a significant negative influence on nurses’ KAP, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve adherence to standard precautions and mitigate the risk of HAIs.