Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Nosocomial Infections among Nursing Students in Private Institute in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Nosocomial infections are a severe global health challenge with the worst happening in low- and middle-income countries. It contributes to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Prevention education among healthcare professionals, most especially nurses and nursing students, is the backbone of reducing their prevalence. Objective: To assess nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward HIAs to bridges that gap by improving training with effective infection control practices within the health care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 80 nursing students with simple random sampling from a private nursing institute in Pakistan. Their knowledge and attitudes toward Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) were assessed through structured, validated questionnaire. Results: The knowledge assessment showed 63% had poor knowledge regarding HAI, 30% had fair knowledge, and 7% showed good knowledge. Among the questions, the question that elicited the highest correct response was for the general definition of HAI at 78%, while prevention strategies elicited only 27% correct responses. Regarding attitudes, 70% students gave a negative attitude toward HAI, and 27% gave a fair attitude, while only 3% reflected a positive attitude. Conclusions: Nursing students lacked knowledge and have negative attitudes toward HIAs. The study highlighted targeted educational interventions to build nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward HAIs. Better adherence of infection control protocols can be ensured by improving training programs, leading to a reduced burden of HAIs in healthcare settings.