Association Between Hospital Infection Control Practices And Physician Knowledge And Attitude

Abstract

Background: Almost 1.4 million patients who suffer from Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) every day. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) contribute to increased length of hospital stay, higher mortality and higher healthcare costs. To minimize the risk of healthcare associated infections, it imperative that infection control practices are well in place and being practiced. Prevention and control of HAIs is a critical public health concern. Aim: To determine the association between hospitals infection control practices and physician knowledge and attitude. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in Makkah, KSA of which 251 medical physicians participated. Data on knowledge, attitude on the Ebola hemorrhagic fever as well as hospital infection control practices was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 28 where association between variables was determined using multiple linear regression. Results: Mean scores were; knowledge 33(±4.5), attitude 87(±10) and practices 66(±8)[1]. Practice was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.162, p<0.05) and there was also a significant association between practice and attitude (b = 0.137, 95% CI = 0.33-0.24, p<0.05). Conclusion and recommendation: Attitude is a significant predictor of hospital infection control practice. The improvement in health personnel attitudes through funding and positive policies can translate into improved practices.