Assessment of nurses' knowledge and practices toward infection control strategy in obstetric and gynecologic operating room in Baghdad city hospitals

Abstract EN

Objective: To assess nurses' .knowledge -and practices -concerning infection control strategy in obstetrics and gynecology operating rooms in Baghdad city.

Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted at (5) Hospitals in Baghdad city through the period from March 25th, 2009 through June 30th, 2009.

A purposive "non- probability" sample of (50) female nurses who have worked for at least one year in the operating rooms is selected.

A questionnaire format was used for data collection.

The validity of the questionnaire was estimated through a panel of experts related to the field of the study, and its reliability was estimated through test and retest approach for knowledge, and checklist for practices.

Data were analyzed through the application of the descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Result: The results indicate that nurses have adequate knowledge toward general information on infection, infection control strategy, causes, prevention, sterilization and disinfection, and healthy conditions in operating room environment.

Regarding practices, the results indicated inadequate practices concerning the standard precaution during wearing operation clothing, patient's preparation, and hand washing practices.

While, their practices concerning tools and equipments preparation was adequate.

There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge and practices and their educational level and years of experience.

Recommendations: The study recommends that there is a need for an orientation program for all new nurses, and a need for implement an active updated educational activities, skills training to all the nurses and emphasizing on the importance of surveillance concerning infection control strategy in operating rooms of obstetric and gynecology.