Level of Awareness and Practices on Infection Control among Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Bohol
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.465Keywords:
Awareness, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Infection Control, Nurses, Patient Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, Practices, Standard Precautions, Training, Waste SegregationAbstract
This study investigated the level of awareness and practices on infection control among nurses in selected hospitals in Bohol. Anchored on the Health Belief Model (HBM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Model, the research examined the relationship between nurses’ profile, awareness, and infection control practices. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 72 nursing personnel from Holy Name University Medical Center Inc. and Tagbilaran Community Hospital Corporation. Data were collected through a researcher-modified questionnaire adapted from Abalkhail et al. (2021), which underwent validity and reliability testing with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.8. Statistical tools used included simple percentage, weighted mean, Chi-Square, and Pearson r. Findings revealed that respondents were predominantly young female Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates employed as staff nurses with less than one year of service. Nurses demonstrated a highly aware level of awareness and highly practiced level of infection control practices, particularly in hand hygiene and proper sharps disposal. However, moderate gaps were identified in avoiding needle recapping, using alcohol-based hand rubs after glove removal, and wearing protective gowns and eye protection during high-risk procedures. Significant relationships were found between educational attainment, job position, length of service, and both infection control awareness and practices. A significant positive relationship was also established between awareness and infection control practices, indicating that higher awareness corresponds with better compliance. The study concluded that continuous education, training, and institutional reinforcement are essential in strengthening infection control compliance among nurses. The proposed action plan and future research were recommended to address barriers affecting adherence to infection prevention measures. This study supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being by promoting safer healthcare environments through improved infection prevention and control practices. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education through continuous professional development and infection control training for nurses. The sustainability impact of the study lies in strengthening healthcare safety, improving institutional infection prevention practices, and supporting long-term public health resilience through enhanced nursing competencies and reduced healthcare-associated infections.
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