Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Infection Prevention among Healthcare Providers at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH), Sidama Region
Keywords:
Infection prevention, healthcare providers, knowledge, attitudes, practices, EthiopiaAbstract
Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a critical global challenge, significantly
increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices
(KAP) toward infection prevention (IP) are pivotal in combating these infections. Despite its importance,
data on KAP among healthcare providers in Ethiopia are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of
healthcare providers and examine associated factors at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized
Hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to December 15, 2024, involving
191 healthcare providers, yielding a 96.9% response rate. Data were collected using a structured
questionnaire, entered into EpiData, and analyzed in STATA. Multivariable logistic regression was
performed to identify factors influencing KAP, with findings reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and
95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among participants, 72.8% demonstrated good IP knowledge [AOR = 18.21, 95% CI (2.54-
62.4)], with IP manuals at the workplace significantly enhancing knowledge AOR = 4.22, 95% CI (2.48-
9.68)]. Favourable attitudes toward IP were reported by 66.5%, influenced by sufficient PPE availability
[AOR = 3.12, 95% CI (1.65, 5.82)] and recent IP training [AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.12-3.95)]. Good IP
practices were observed in 60.8%, strongly associated with good knowledge [AOR = 3.50, 95% CI
(1.70-7.23)] and adequate PPE [AOR = 2.64, 95% CI (1.40-4.80)].
Conclusion: The findings highlight suboptimal IP KAP among healthcare providers, despite significant
associations with knowledge, training, and resources. Enhancing KAP requires addressing gaps in PPE
supply, IP manuals, and training programs. Institutional and policy-level interventions are imperative to
foster effective infection control practices.
