Knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurse aids and service staff about nosocomial infection control: A case study in Iran

Background: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) or nosocomial infection is a major public health concern. In this study, the status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of service staff and nurse aids in reference to HAI was investigated. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out to investigate KAP in two steps design and measurement. Twenty-five hospitals were included in this study. To collect data, a questionnaire comprised of 8 divisions and 45 questions was designed and validated, and the three sections of KAP were listed. The questionnaire was distributed to 405 nurse aids and service staff to determine their level of KAP towards HAI. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18. Results: The mean ± standard deviation values of KAP of the included staff were 7.07 ± 1.97, 23.08 ± 4.38, and 35.83 ± 8.25, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in the level of KAP of personnel among different hospitals (P < 0.001). The type of employment status and education was found to be significantly influential on knowledge (P = 0.027, P < 0.001) and level of education. Marital status, education and career experience were found to be significantly influential on attitude (P = 0.034, P = 0.004 and 0.045). Level of education, job category, career experience, and gender were the significant influential factors on practice (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge and practice levels were low in many nurse aids and service staff. An educational plan and compiled programs in hospital infection control seem to be necessary to effectively control the major concern of HAI in hospitals in Iran.