Nurses Knowledge Regarding Nosocomial Infection at Khulna Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections, pose significant challenges in healthcare settings, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. These infections, caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, are acquired during hospital care and are not present at the time of admission. Understanding nurses' knowledge of nosocomial infections is crucial for effective infection control and prevention. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding nosocomial infections at Khulna Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to November 2022, involving 110 nurses at Khulna Medical College Hospital. A non-random sampling technique was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire divided into two sections: socio-demographic information and knowledge-based questions on nosocomial infections. Results: The study revealed that 13% of respondents had excellent knowledge, 23% had very good knowledge, 9% had good knowledge, 21% had average knowledge, and 34% had below-average knowledge. The mean age of respondents was 34 years (ranging from 24 to 51 years), and the mean duration of service experience was 8 years (ranging from 2 to 23 years). The highest knowledge score, 86%, was related to the concept of nosocomial infection, while the lowest score, 39%, was related to preventive measures. Overall, the nurses demonstrated a good level of knowledge, with a mean score of 71. Conclusion: Although the nurses exhibited a good level of knowledge regarding nosocomial infections, there is a need for continuous training, assessment, and supervision to enhance their understanding, particularly in preventive measures.