Knowledge and practice of surgical site infection prevention and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of Sodo town, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common healthcare-associated infection that increases morbidity, hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Nurses play a key role in SSI prevention through infection control practices, but their knowledge and practice vary, especially in low-resource settings. Local evidence is needed to guide interventions and improve patient outcomes. To assess the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding surgical site infection (SSI) prevention and identify associated factors among nurses in surgical units of public hospitals in Sodo Town, Wolaita Zone, and Southern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in surgical units. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariable logistic regression identified candidate variables (p < 0.25), which were then included in multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Among the participants, 55.4% had adequate knowledge and 52.0% reported good practice regarding SSI prevention. In the multivariable analysis, nurses with more than five years of work experience were more likely to have adequate knowledge (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.4–8.7). Access to SSI-related training (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.6–5.4) and availability of essential equipment (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.7–5.7) were also positively associated with knowledge. Similarly, nurses with more than five years of experience had higher odds of good practice (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI 1.9–14.8). Those who had received training on SSI prevention (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 2.6–6.7) and those with good knowledge of SSI (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.8) were also more likely to engage in proper preventive practices. The study found suboptimal knowledge and practice of SSI prevention among nurses. Targeted interventions such as training, access to supplies, evidence-based guidelines, and supportive supervision are needed to improve practices and patient safety.