Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses Regard Infection Control Program in El-Hawwary Renal Dialysis Centre in Benghazi City, Libya

Abstract

Background: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is one of the common health issues and difficulties faced by hospitals in all countries over the world. Since nurses are part of the healthcare team that perform an essential role in the control of hospital infection, this study is conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practice of nurses regarding infection control measures and precautions for hospital infection. Methods and Materials: This is descriptive cross-sectional conducted on "El-Hawary Renal Dialysis Centre" in Benghazi city, Libya in 2017. The data collection instrument is composed of a self-structure questionnaire based on precautions suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data were fed into the SPSS software v.22 and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result found that 88% of nurses reporting the higher level of exposure to the biohazards particularly, needle stick injury. In addition, most nurses do not have a good knowledge, attitudes and practices about infection control measures even though having an average         efficacy. Conclusion: As the outcomes show a low level of awareness among the nurses regarding hospital acquired infection, it is proposed to offer training sessions on the prevention and control of HAI in order to upsurge the awareness of nurses in the renal dialysis centre and hold practical courses for practicing these principles in relation to the application of the standard health precautions of WHO and CDC guidelines. Further studies should be implemented.