Assessment of Infection Prevention and Control Practice Among Health Care Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Benha University Hospital

Background: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) remains a widespread challenge for hospitals worldwide. Aim: This study evaluates the knowledge and practices regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) among healthcare workers (HCWs) within the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Benha University Hospital and identifies factors influencing their adherence to IPC best practices. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional observational design was employed, targeting HCWs in the department. The research used a bilingual knowledge questionnaire and an audit checklist to measure participants’ understanding of IPC (covering basic guidelines, device-associated care, and occupational health) and their compliance with 11 standard procedures such as hand hygiene, PPE usage, sterilization, and urinary catheter maintenance. A scoring system was implemented to assess both knowledge and practical performance, with all procedures approved by the Ethics Committee and participants providing informed consent. Results: Among the 30 participants, 36% had attended IPC training. The results indicated variability in knowledge and practice levels: hand hygiene (26%), proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (32%), respiratory cough etiquette (24%), proper linen handling (34%), equipment reprocessing (32%), waste management (30%), environmental cleaning and disinfection (26%), aseptic technique (30%), prevention of sharp injuries (26%), and patient placement (28%). Additionally, 34% exhibited the availability of an IPC guideline manual, 28% had access to an Infection Prevention & Control Nurse, and 14% exhibited receiving direct input from the IPC Nurse. Conclusion: IPC training significantly enhanced compliance in key areas such as aseptic technique and environmental cleaning.