Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Registered Nurses Related to Prevention, and Control of Nosocomial Infection
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Abstract
Background: Nosocomial infections remain a major patient-safety concern and contribute to prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, antimicrobial resistance, morbidity, and mortality. Nurses have a central role in infection prevention because they provide continuous bedside care and perform procedures that require strict adherence to hand hygiene and standard precautions. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of registered nurses regarding prevention and control of nosocomial infection at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 registered nurses selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic variables and KAP domains, including 11 knowledge items, 14 practice items, and 8 attitude items. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale, and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: All participants were female, and most were aged 24–35 years (51.5%). Knowledge scores ranged from 63% to 99%, with strong performance in medical-equipment transmission (99%), hand hygiene after glove removal (97%), and handwashing guideline awareness (96%). Practice scores ranged from 22% to 98%, with weak areas including avoidance of artificial nails or fingernail polish (22%) and avoidance of keyboard or charting activity with gloves (34%). Attitude scores ranged from 43% to 97%, showing strong recognition of nosocomial infection seriousness (93%) but weaker role-modeling and accountability-related responses. Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated strong general knowledge of nosocomial infection prevention, but specific practice and attitude gaps require targeted training, supervision, and behavioral monitoring to improve infection-control compliance.
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