TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Providers at the Public Health Establishment of Touba Ndamatou (Senegal) on Healthcare Associated Infections in 2024
AUTHORS:
Ibrahima Ndiaye, Mamadou Makhtar Mbacke Leye, Fatoumata Binetou Diongue, Oumar Bassoum, Serigne Fallou Wade, Maty Diagne, Amadou Ibra Diallo, Lamine Gaye, Adama Sow, Aldiouma Ba, Ibrahima Seck
KEYWORDS:
Healthcare-Associated Infections, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.15 No.4,
September
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a major public health challenge worldwide. Their prevalence is higher in developing countries, where inappropriate care practices are often blamed. The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare staff at the Touba Ndamatou Public Health Establishment (PHE) regarding HAIs in 2024. Methodology: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among health care staff at the Touba Ndamatou PHE in 2024. Participants were recruited exhaustively. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with R software version 4.2.2, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses using a binomial logistic regression model. Adjusted Odds Ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were determined for each variable retained in the final model. Results: A total of 101 agents were surveyed. The majority were female (62.4%), and the majority were nurses (36.6%). The average age was 31. Only 10.9% of participants had good knowledge of HAIs; 39.6% had good attitudes and 47.5% had good practices. Knowledge was favored by physician status (aOR = 12.5 [2.22 - 33.3]), while attitude was improved by female gender (aOR = 3.55 [1.15 - 12.0]) and paramedic status (aOR = 4.45 [1.18 - 20.1]). Conclusion: The results reveal low levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HAIs prevention. Physicians showed better knowledge, while Allied health professionals were more inclined to adopt good attitudes. Ongoing training and clear protocols are needed to improve HAIs prevention.