Kerkük şehir hastanelerinde çalışan sağlık çalışanlarının enfeksiyon önleme konusundaki bilgi ve tutumlarının değerlendirilmesi

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a factor in longer hospital stays, higher mortality, and more expensive medical care. HAI prevention and its management are crucial public health issues. Safety is essential in any work, but especially in healthcare settings. This study evaluated the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers professionals toward routine infection control Practices. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of knowledge, and practicis, of the healthcare workers toward safety in Kirkuk city hospitals. Quantitative research was used in the design of the study. A descriptive study was carried out over the course of October 10th, 2021 until May 10th, 2022 to assess healthcare workers' knowledge and attitude about infection prevention. The study was carried out on a sample of (200) healthcare workers selected non-probability sampling (convenience sample) from 2 hospitals in Kirkuk city (Kirkuk general hospital, gynecological and pediatric hospital) For the assessments about knowledge, and attitudes, standard infection control precautions, using a self-administered structured questionnaire, the researcher developed the questions on infection control standard precautions. This questionnaire was presented to a group of 10 experts from different university professors in the field of community health, and they made some modifications to it. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: the first part included questions on demographic and professional information of the HCWs; the second, and third, parts respectively focused on the knowledge, and attitudes. Evaluation was made with percentage analysis, regarding infection control standard precautions. The finding in the current study shows that 67% of health care workers were at the age of 20-29 years, 56% of them were females, 55.5% of them were married, 71% of them had years of service 1-5 years, 63.5% of them had bachelor degree, 57% of them participate in 2 training sessions, and 55% of the health workers were nurses. When we look at the results of the knowledge level of healthcare professionals about hospital infections; It was seen that 85% of the health workers knew that there was a guide in a hospital to prevent nosocomial infections, 88.5% of the health workers knew that the hospital infection was carried with the materials used in the hospital, but 78% of the health workers did not know that the needles should be closed after using them. In the results of the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards hospital infections; Results showed that 91.5% agreed that hospital infections could be avoided with the right working method, but 29% of the healthcare workers did not agree with the wearing of a new glove for each patient. Considering all the results, although it is seen that the level of knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals about nosocomial infections is good, regular training programs are recommended for healthcare professionals.