Knowledge of Surgical Site Infection Prevention Among Anesthesia and Operating Room Service Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite being largely preventable through evidence-based practices, SSIs continue to pose a significant risk to patient safety and healthcare costs. Operating room personnel, including anesthesia and surgical technologists, play a crucial role in SSI prevention. Understanding their level of knowledge is essential for guiding targeted educational interventions. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge levels of future anesthesia and surgical technologists regarding evidence-based practices for the prevention of SSIs originating from operating room-related factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 148 second-year students enrolled in Anesthesia and Operating Room Services programs at Burdur Vocational School of Health Services during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and 19 true/false items related to SSI prevention. Non-parametric tests and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results: The mean knowledge score was 14.8 ± 2.3 out of 19. Female students, those in the Operating Room Services program, and participants who had received prior infection control training demonstrated significantly higher scores (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous infection training (OR = 3.35), female gender (OR = 1.79), and department (OR = 1.88) were significant predictors of higher knowledge levels. Conclusions: While participants demonstrated generally adequate knowledge on SSI prevention, gaps persisted in environmental and pharmacologic domains. Prior infection control training was the most influential factor. Targeted, curriculum-integrated training is essential to strengthen preventive competencies in future operating room personnel.