Scientific Article Entitled: Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices of Nurses Regarding Infection Control in Operating Rooms in The Saudi Health Sector

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections (NI) are a global issue affecting both developed and developing countries, and they contribute significantly to patient mortality across all age groups.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses regarding infection control in operating rooms within the Saudi health sector.

Methods: The research design employed a descriptive correlation study approach and included hospitals from the Saudi health sector. The sample consisted of nurses working in operating rooms. Data collection involved the use of three tools. The first tool was a questionnaire sheet consisting of two parts: the first part covered personal and job characteristics, while the second part assessed nurses' knowledge of infection control in operating rooms. The second tool was an attitude scale to measure nurses' perspectives on infection control in operating rooms. The third tool was an observation checklist used to evaluate nurses' actual practices related to hospital infection control.

Results: The study findings indicated that the majority of the participating nurses had satisfactory knowledge (80%) regarding infection control in operating rooms. However, a significant proportion exhibited an unacceptable attitude (70%) towards infection control. Additionally, approximately half of the nurses (52%) demonstrated inadequate practices concerning infection control.

Conclusion: Based on the present study, it can be concluded that the nurses involved possessed satisfactory knowledge, but their attitudes were deemed unacceptable. Moreover, around half of the nurses displayed inadequate practices regarding infection control in operating rooms.

Recommendations: To improve the situation, it is recommended to implement continuous training programs, conferences, and seminars focusing on infection control. These initiatives aim to enhance nurses' knowledge, which can then be translated into improved practices and positive attitudes.