The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Students at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences Regarding Nosocomial Infection in 2018

Nosocomial infection is considered as one of the most common problems in hospitals all over the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences regarding nosocomial infection. 

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 243 clinical students in Gonabad University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Participants were selected by stratified random method considering the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire about nosocomial infections and analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics such as t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS version 16.

In this study, the mean score of knowledge in the students was 14.94±4.36, at the moderate level, the mean score of attitude was 63.07±6.04, and the mean score of practice was 255.93±35.78, at the desirable level. Significant differences was observed between the means of attitude and practice in terms of educational degree (P=0.001, P=0.01) and knowledge, attitude, and practice in terms of field of study (P=0.01, P=0.002, P=0.02). The highest level of attitude and practice was related to the PhD degree. The highest level of knowledge belonged to medical students and the highest attitude and practice was related to operating room students. 

Despite moderate knowledge, most students had a desirable attitude and practice regarding nosocomial infections. Considering the major role of students in preventing nosocomial infections, holding workshops, strengthening their positive attitude and motivation, and improving their skills are necessary. Therefore, more attention from authorities, especially teachers is essential in designing the necessary steps to strengthen the students' knowledge, attitude, and practice.