KNOWLEDGE AND EVALUATION OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PRACTICES IN WOUND DRESSING AMONG STUDENT NURSES IN BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY, EDO STATE

Abstract

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a critical component of nursing care, particularly during wound dressing, to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. This study assessed the knowledge, practices, and factors influencing compliance with IPC among student nurses of Benson Idahosa University, Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, with 251 student nurses selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire divided into four sections: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of IPC in wound dressing, IPC practices employed, and factors influencing compliance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 160 (63.7%) respondents demonstrated good knowledge of IPC practices, 70 (27.9%) had fair knowledge, and 21 (8.4%) exhibited poor knowledge. Regarding practice, 145 (57.8%) of the student nurses demonstrated good IPC practices, 85 (33.9%) had fair practices, and 21 (8.4%) had poor practices. Factors influencing compliance included the availability of personal protective equipment (78.1%), supervision by clinical instructors (84.5%), time constraints during clinical rotations (51.0%), and inadequate training (44.6%). The study concluded that while student nurses displayed moderate to good knowledge and practices of IPC in wound dressing, gaps remain, particularly in consistent adherence to all recommended procedures. The study recommends intensified training, continuous supervision, and provision of adequate resources to enhance compliance with IPC practices. These measures are essential to ensure patient safety, reduce infection risk, and improve clinical competence among nursing students. Keywords: Knowledge, Infection prevention and control practice, wound dressing, student nurses.

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urn:uuid:b6f8b201-6f55-4fdd-83ba-0b660b3620f5