Knowledge, practices, educational needs and hospital engagement in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) among Italian healthcare workers and students: results from a national multicentre survey.
Francesco Di Gennaro, Francesco Vladimiro Segala, Roberta Papagni, Elda De Vita, Giacomo Guido, Luisa Frallonardo, Alessandra Vigna, Monica Fiorella, Davide Capruzzi, Marinella Cibelli, Annunziata Ilenia Ritacco, Luigi Pisani, Francesca De Palo, Pietro Locantore, Alessandra Tolin, Federica Penco, Marianna Meschiari, Rita Murri, Massimo Fantoni, Cristina Mussini, Annalisa Saracino
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Abstract
Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, practices, educational needs and hospital engagement in IPC among healthcare workers (HCWs) and students in Italy.
Methods: A national cross-sectional observational study was conducted from April to July 2024. Participants completed a validated questionnaire based on WHO and CDC guidelines. Four outcomes were evaluated: (i) knowledge of IPC, (ii) self-reported compliance, (iii) satisfaction with education and (iv) hospital engagement in IPC.
Results: Among respondents (n = 1063, 67.75% female) significant gaps in IPC knowledge were noted, with only 66.1% correctly identifying key hand hygiene moments. Compliance was low, with only 43.3% always adhering to hand hygiene rules. Satisfaction with IPC education was also low (28%). While alcohol-based hand gel was widely available (84.2%), only 36.6% received formal hand hygiene training before onboarding.Multivariate analysis revealed that female HCWs had higher IPC knowledge [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.55, 95% CI: 1.04-2.31] and better compliance (aOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.01-2.92). Younger HCWs demonstrated greater knowledge and satisfaction. Surgical ward staff, despite greater education satisfaction, exhibited lower IPC knowledge (aOR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.32-0.87). Nurses and health assistants received more hospital IPC training (aOR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04-2.46; aOR 5.83, 95% CI: 1.94-18.89, respectively). Finally, the presence of a hospital IPC team positively correlated with all outcomes, including higher IPC knowledge (aOR 2.68, 95% CI: 1.79-4.05) and adherence (aOR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.92-6.3).
Conclusion: The study reveals substantial gaps in IPC knowledge, practices and education among Italian HCWs, emphasizing the urgent need for effective targeted interventions that require robust institutional support.
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