ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION AMONG NURSING STAFF TOWARD STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AND INFECTION CONTROL AT KING ABDULAZIZ TERTIARY HOSPITAL- MAKKAH

Infection Control (IC) and standard precautions (SPs) is evidence-based practices that can reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms. IC practice is a fundamental component of high level of nursing quality of care. The present study aimed to Assess Attitudes, Knowledge, and Sources of Information among Nursing Staff toward infection control and standard precautions. Subjects and methods: A convenient sample consisted of 96 nursing staff from all levels of nursing education. Setting: The study was conducted at king abdulaziz Tertiary hospital, Makkah Al-Mukaramah, Saudi Arabia. One tool was used comprised of three sections. Section 1: General data. Section 2: Knowledge assessment questionnaire about 5 different domains of IC and SPs. section 3: Attitude assessment questionnaire used towards previous or current curricular sufficiency, and training needs related to IC and SPs. Results: The current study revealed the total score for knowledge was 38.71±7.02 (out of 53 points) with a total of 44 out of 96 nursing staff (45.83%) of staff scored ? 40 out of 53 points which is considered to be acceptable. Sharp injuries, indications and the use of gloves and alcohol-based hand rub, showed the least knowledge scores. It is concluded the main source of information for staff was their previous study curriculum. Nursing staff were satisfied with their content although they reported there need for further training and education regarding IC& SPs. It was recommended that teaching and training must be strengthened, evidenced based knowledge reform and training are required to fulfill staffs' knowledge deficiencies related to in IC & SPs to protect nursing staff and their patients.