Nosocomial infections: Knowledge, attitude and practice of standard precautions among clinical students in Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH)

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections are newly contracted infections that are gotten in the hospital either as a patient or a hospital staff. It causes increase in morbidity and mortality affect both developed and developing countries. Basic knowledge of infection control measures is necessary to reduce the rate of hospital acquired infections especially as Clinical students.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among clinical students in Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba on the practice of standard precaution.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 419 clinical students from Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH, Aba. Research instruments were structured, self-administered and pretested questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0

Result: About 76.4% were medical students, 16.5% were medical laboratory students and 7.2% were nursing students with majority (62.5%) in 5^th year. 85.9% of the students had heard of nosocomial infection and 76.25% of these students had good knowledge of nosocomial infection. The attitude and practice of standard precautions among clinical students were 59.1% and 51.7% respectively.  Participants who were in fifth year or higher, were 13 times (OR13.063) more likely to have knowledge of Nosocomial Infections compared to those who were below 500 level.

Conclusion: Findings from this study indicates that majority of the clinical students had good knowledge of nosocomial infection though with less attitude and practice of the standard precautions. Therefore, there is a need for proper sensitization and implementation on hospital acquired infection prevention and control especially among c students in their early clinical years.