A study to assess knowledge regarding nosocomial infections and its prevention among B.sc. Nursing students in a selected nursing college under West Bengal University of Health Sciences A study to assess knowledge regarding nosocomial infections and its prevention among B.sc. Nursing students in a selected nursing college under West Bengal University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction

Nosocomial infections increase patient’s treatment cost, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. ⁶ Therefore, knowledge about nosocomial infections is important to improve infection control measures as well as to develop effective preventive and curative strategies which, in turn, will help us in decreasing incidence, morbidity and mortality. ⁷

Effort towards education in terms of training and retraining about standard infection control, as well as strict adherence by health care staff and students to aseptic practice, can reduce the extent of these risks.¹² Considering the lack of information regarding student’s knowledge on nosocomial infections and its prevention, this study provides insight into knowledge about nosocomial infection.

 

Materials and methods

A cross sectional descriptive design was used in the study. 112 B.Sc.nursing students were selected as sample by nonpropability convenience sampling. A self reporting questionnaire including 20 multiple choice questions was prepared and administered.

Result

No percentages among B.Sc.nursing students have excellent knowledge regarding nosocomial infection. Only 0.89%.have very good knowledge and 6.25% have good knowledge. 63.39% B.Sc. nursing students have below average knowledge regarding nosocomial infection. There is statistical significant difference in knowledge score about nosocomial infection among three different groups of nursing students (ANOVA 4.88, p < 0.05 ). There is a statistical significant association between different groups of nursing students and their knowledge regarding nosocomial infections ( Chi square value 9.8, p<0.05)

Conclusion

There is lack of knowledge regarding nosocomial infections among B.Sc. nursing students, so improvement in the knowledge towards nosocomial infections need to be done. For this purpose the Faculty of College of nursing should introduce the module of IPCs at the earliest opportunity to the students, hospitals should take initiative to mandate infection control guidelines to students before entering the wards, continuing education programs, seminars, symposiums or workshops should be arranged on regular basis.