Knowledge, attitude and practice towards infection control measures among healthcare workers at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have been identified as a contributing factor to prolonged hospitalization, increased mortality rates, and increased healthcare expenditures. Adherence to standard precautions by healthcare workers (HCWs) has been acknowledged as an effective strategy for the prevention and management of healthcare-associated infections. These measures are designed to protect not only the patient, but also the HCWs and the surrounding environment. This research evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of conventional infection control procedures among HCWs in King Fahad Hospital (KFH), Al Baha, Saudi Arabia). A structured questionnaire was utilized to conduct an online cross-sectional survey among HCWs of KFH.

A considerable number of participants exhibited recognition of the significance of conventional precautions and the function of personal protective equipment (PPE). Nevertheless, significant deficiencies remain in both comprehension and implementation, especially regarding glove use and the sources of hospital-acquired infections. Although 88.9% acknowledged the hazards linked to Hepatitis B and 87.9% to HIV/AIDS, merely 40.4% recognized that Plasmodium spp. is not transmitted by contaminated sharps, underscoring the necessity for focused educational interventions. The survey revealed a favorable trend in hand hygiene practices, with 91.9% of respondents underscoring the significance of handwashing following patient encounters. he surveys indicated significant discrepancies in practices, with only 47.5% of participants properly disposing of sheets from contaminated patients. These findings highlight the imperative for ongoing education to improve adherence to infection control protocols.