Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: a cross-sectional study in a rehabilitation facility

Abstract

Background

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are prevalent yet preventable healthcare-associated infections. Effective prevention requires healthcare professionals (HCPs) to possess adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and adherence to best practices.

Objective

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of HCPs regarding the prevention and management of CAUTI in a Maltese rehabilitation facility.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered online questionnaire from January to March 2023, using total population sampling of doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants (N = 315). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS.

Results

Of the 315 HCPs invited, 215 responded (68.3%). KAP levels towards CAUTI prevention were moderate to adequate. The attitude scores of doctors and nurses varied significantly based on nationality (P = 0.011), professional designation (P = 0.010), and educational level (P<0.001). Positive correlations were identified between CAUTI knowledge and practices among doctors' and nurses' (P=0.002, r = 0.309). For nursing assistants, significant differences were observed across knowledge (P<0.001), attitude (P<0.001), and practice scores (P<0.001), based on age, educational level, job experience, and timing of their last infection prevention and control training. Positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitudes (P<0.001, r = 0.471), knowledge and practice (P<0.001, r = 0.383), and attitudes and practice (P<0.001, r = 0.403) for nursing assistants.

Conclusions

HCP knowledge and attitudes directly influence CAUTI prevention practices. Continuous education and targeted training programmes are critical to improving practices and reducing CAUTI-related patient harm.