KAP Study Assessing Infection Prevention Among Healthcare Professionals in the Western Region, Saudi Arabia: KAP Study Assessing Infection Prevention Among Healthcare Professionals in the Western Region, Saudi Arabia

Dalia Gaber; Hanaa Bali; Eman Aljohani; Mansour Al-Johani; Safaa Mashhadis; Eman Hamed

doi:10.47456/hb.64.49851

Autores/as

Dalia Gaber Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1129-1021
Hanaa Bali Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Eman Aljohani Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Mansour Al-Johani Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Safaa Mashhadis Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Eman Hamed King Abdul-Azizi University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47456/hb.64.49851

Palabras clave:

infection prevention and control-IPC, healthcare-associated infections-HAIs, knowledge, attitudes, practices-KAP, healthcare workers, Saudi Arabia

Resumen

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a significant global health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and rising healthcare costs. Adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices by healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to reducing these risks. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HCWs in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia regarding IPC. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 780 HCWs, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health staff from multiple hospital departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward IPC. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of compliance. Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of hand hygiene (92%) and WHO IPC guidelines (88%), though gaps persisted in knowledge of sterilization protocols (68%). Attitudes were generally positive, with 88% identifying IPC as highly important and 84% emphasizing the role of leadership support. However, practices were inconsistent: 80% reported updating practices according to new IPC guidelines, only 56% conducted regular IPC assessments, and just 20% consistently reported non-compliance. Logistic regression analysis showed that availability of PPE (OR = 3.6), prior IPC training (OR = 2.0), confidence in applying IPC measures (OR = 2.5), and longer work experience (OR = 2.8) were significant predictors of adherence. HCWs in Western Saudi Arabia demonstrate strong knowledge and positive attitudes toward IPC but suboptimal compliance in practice. Continuous training, supportive leadership, and systematic institutional audits are essential to strengthen adherence and reduce the burden of HAIs.

Biografía del autor/a

Dalia Gaber, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia

Dalia Gaber is an associate professor of Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, at College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE. Formerly, at Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. She was also the department supervisor (September 2017-August 2022), Vice Director of the Medical Education Unit & FAIMER fellow.
Hanaa Bali, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia

Hanaa Bali is associated with the Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences and Nursing.
Eman Aljohani, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia

Eman Aljohani is associated with the Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences and Nursing, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Mansour Al-Johani, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia

Mansour Al-Johani is associated with the Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences and Nursing, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Safaa Mashhadis, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia

Safaa Mashhadis is associated with the Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences and Nursing, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Eman Hamed, King Abdul-Azizi University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Eman Hamed is associated with the Clinical Pharmacy department, college of pharmacy, King Abdul-Azizi University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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KAP Study Assessing Infection Prevention Among Healthcare Professionals in the Western Region, Saudi Arabia