Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to The Prevention of Surgical Site Infections Among Nurses in Surgical Departments at Some Hospitals in Dhamar City
A Graduation research project submitted to Department of Physician Assistant, Applied College of SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY, as Partial fulfillment of the requirement for Diploma Degree in Physician Assistant.
BY (Researchers)
Salah Al-Din Sadiq Shuaib
Saleh Abdulraqib Saleh Ziyad
Shamikh Dahhan Fulaim
Supervisor:
Dr. Shihab Al-Din Abdulqawi Al-Sharabi
Bachelor of General Medicine and Surgery – Thamar University
{ وَاللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّن بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ }
[سورة النحل، الآية (78)]
Declaration & Certificate of Approval
We declare that this research is original work and that all material sources used have been duly acknowledged. This research has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Diploma of Physician Assistant at Applied College of Science and Technology Dhamar, Yemen.
– Researchers
Approval Committee Members:
- Dr. External Examiner: _______________________
- Dr. Shehab Al-Sharabi (Supervisor): _______________________
- Dr. Internal Examiner: _______________________
Dedication & Acknowledgments
Dedication: Dedicated to our beloved parents, brothers, sisters, partners, and friends whose support paved our way to success.
Acknowledgments: First and foremost, thanks are due to Almighty Allah. Sincere gratitude is expressed to our supervisor Dr. Shehab Al-Sharabi, Head of Department Dr. Abdullah Al-Shawkani, as well as Dr. Faiz AlHarogi and Dr. Hussain Jouim for their unwavering guidance and support.
ABSTRACT
Background: Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) represent a significant challenge to patient safety. Nurses play a pivotal role in infection prevention.
Objectives: Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) regarding SSI prevention among nurses in Dhamar City.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 140 nurses using a structured questionnaire, analyzed via SPSS.
Results: Theoretical knowledge was high (>95%) and attitudes were positive (87.1%). However, a clear “Knowledge-Practice Gap” emerged: hand hygiene adherence was excellent (98.6%), but only 50% consistently checked tool sterilization validity, and 52.9% removed jewelry/watches.
Conclusion: Inconsistency exists in translating theoretical knowledge into routine clinical habits. On-site auditing and strict monitoring are recommended.
Keywords: Surgical Site Infection (SSI), KAP, Nursing Staff, Infection Control, Dhamar City, Yemen.
نتائج الدراسة والإحصائيات (Results Tables)
Table (4.1): Demographic Characteristics of Participants (N = 140)
| Variable | Category | Frequency | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | 84 | 60.0 % |
| Female | 56 | 40.0 % | |
| Age | 31-40 years | 50 | 35.7 % |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree | 64 | 45.7 % |
| Experience | 1-5 years | 52 | 37.1 % |
| Training Received | Yes | 122 | 87.1 % |
Table (4.2): Distribution of Nurses’ Knowledge Level
| # | Knowledge Item | Correct % | Incorrect % | Don’t know % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SSIs are among most common healthcare infections | 98.6% | 1.4% | 0% |
| 2 | Hand hygiene before/after surgery reduces risk | 95.7% | 4.3% | 0% |
| 3 | Diabetic patients are at higher risk for SSIs | 95.7% | 4.3% |