Assessment of Compliance With Infection Prevention Guidelines/Standard Precautions Among Healthcare Workers of Debark and Metema General Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Introduction Healthcare‐associated infections remain a major public health problem, especially in low‐resource settings. Adherence to infection prevention (IP) guidelines reduces infection transmission and improves patient safety, yet poor compliance remains common in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Evidence from Debark and Metema General Hospitals is limited. Therefore, this study assessed compliance with IP guidelines and associated factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) in these hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Objective To assess compliance with IP guidelines/standard precautions among HCWs at Debark and Metema General Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among HCWs at Debark and Metema General Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were assessing compliance with IP guidelines/standard precautions and associated factors. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into the multivariable model. Associations were measured using crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and p ≤ 0.05 will indicate statistical significance. Model fitness and multicollinearity tests were performed. Result A total of 416 HCWs participated in the study, with a 100% response rate. The prevalence of good and poor compliance with IP guidelines/standard precautions was 42.06% and 57.94%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, working in the maternal department, being aged 22–30 years, and easy access to IP materials were significantly associated with good compliance ( p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Compliance with IP guidelines/standard precautions among HCWs was low in Debark and Metema General Hospitals. Working department, younger age, and availability of IP materials were significantly associated with good compliance. Improving access to IP materials and strengthening training and supervision are recommended to enhance compliance among HCWs.