Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers towards healthcare- associated infections in Jimma University Medical Center, southwestern Ethiopia: using structural equation model.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a common challenge faced in healthcare facilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evaluating the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among healthcare personnel regarding HCAI prevention and identifying the relevant factors is important for handling and controlling these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the direct and indirect effects of knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare workers (HCW) towards HCAIs prevention in Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC).

METHOD

An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022. A total of 262 was sampled from 1354 health professionals working in JUMC using the population proportion stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify the direct and indirect effects of KAP of HCWs on HCAIs.

RESULTS

Of the 262 participants, 55% (n = 144) were nurses and 52.7% were female. The study found that HCW occupational skills (os) had a direct effect on knowledge (k) and attitudes (a) in preventing HCAIs (β = 1.43, P = 0.004, and β = 0.65, P = 0.004). HCWs' practice on HCAIs had an effect (β = -0.79; P = 0.004). HCWs' attitudes toward HCAI preventive practice (p) and knowledge had an effect, p-values P = .002 and P = .003, respectively. Indirect effects revealed that HCWs' attitudes towards preventing HCAIs through practice had an impact (γ = .426, P = .003). HCWs' occupational skills and attitudes towards preventing HCAIs had an effect (γ = .523, P = .002).

CONCLUSION

The finding indicated that attitude and occupational skills can be improved through practice which finally brings a significant improvement in the knowledge of HCWs about HCAIs prevention. Besides, there were direct effects of occupational skills on the practices of HCAIs prevention. This highlights ongoing training and mentoring of HCWs during practice is essential to enhance HCAIs prevention.