Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) face a high risk of COVID-19 infection due to continuous exposure to patients. Gaps in knowledge and inconsistent infection prevention practices may contribute to transmission within healthcare facilities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HCWs regarding COVID-19 infection prevention and examined associated factors. Method. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to October 31, 2020, among 401 randomly selected HCWs working in public health facilities of the Gofa and Konso zones. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with KAP. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Of the 401 HCWs, 67.8% had adequate knowledge, 75.6% had positive attitudes, and 60.6% demonstrated good infection-prevention practices. Training on infection prevention and access to manuals were significantly associated with better knowledge (AOR = 2.59 and 2.21, respectively). Improved practice was associated with sex, marital status, shorter work experience, availability of safety guidelines, and good knowledge. Conclusion. Although most HCWs had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes, only 60.6% adhered to safe infection-prevention practices. Strengthening regular IPC training, improving access to guidelines, and ensuring availability of protective equipment are essential to enhance HCWs’ knowledge and practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention.
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416615559