Effect of training in infection prevention and control on knowledge of healthcare professionals in a medical college, Kerala

Authors

  • Swathi V. Koramboor Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0856-9842
  • Akshay Kalathil Rejikumar Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Anuja Ushakumari Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250315

Keywords:

Infection prevention and control, Training, Pretest/post-test study

Abstract

Background: 1 in 10 patients die from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Infection prevention and control (IPC) aims to prevent infections, including those from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, to improve patient and worker safety. Though training is essential for effective IPC program according to WHO guidelines, training is often limited, especially in low-resource settings. This study aims to assess the effect of IPC training on healthcare professionals' knowledge at a medical college in Kerala.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest/post-test study among 339 healthcare students at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram (November to December 2023), evaluated IPC training on standard precautions, sterilization, infection prevention, and needle-stick injury management. Knowledge improvement was assessed through a 25-question pre and post-test, with scores categorized as excellent (>90), good (80-90), average (70-80), and poor (<70). Change in knowledge was analysed using paired t-test.

Results: Majority participants were in poor (38.1%) and average categories (46.3%) in pretest while in post-test, majority participants were in good (34.5%) and excellent categories (40.1%) indicating an improvement in knowledge after the training. Statistically significant improvement in scores was observed in the total score of pretest and post-test as well as the individual topic wise scores.

Conclusions: The training led to significant improvements in infection prevention and control knowledge among healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for mandatory orientation and regular refresher trainings. To prepare for pandemics, prevent nosocomial infections, and combat antimicrobial resistance, hospitals should prioritize capacity building through ongoing training.

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Published

2025-01-31

How to Cite

Koramboor, S. V., Kalathil Rejikumar, A., & Ushakumari, A. (2025). Effect of training in infection prevention and control on knowledge of healthcare professionals in a medical college, Kerala. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 12(2), 831–835. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250315

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Original Research Articles