Abstract Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant global health concern, making effective infection prevention and control (IPC) practices essential for patient safety. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding IPC among undergraduate medical students, who require a strong foundation in these principles as future healthcare providers. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June to September 2024, involving 171 undergraduate medical students (Phase II to Phase III Part 2). Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire based on national IPC guidelines. Results: The study revealed moderate overall knowledge of IPC among participants, with a mean score of 17.08 out of 25. Knowledge scores were highest in ‘biomedical waste management’ (mean – 4.1) and lowest in ‘infection control protocols and antimicrobial stewardship’ (mean – 2.7). Female students demonstrated significantly higher overall knowledge scores (mean 17.7 vs. 15.6, P = 0.005). Most students recognised the importance of IPC and expressed confidence in adhering to guidelines. However, some reported discomfort in addressing IPC lapses with peers or superiors. Self-reported practices indicated good adherence to hand hygiene, but inconsistencies were noted in cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment and adherence to biomedical waste disposal guidelines. Conclusions: The findings highlight areas for improvement in IPC education, specifically concerning infection control protocols, antimicrobial stewardship and addressing gender disparities in knowledge. Incorporating practical training, communication skills development and strategies to enhance confidence in addressing IPC lapses is crucial to ensure competent and confident future healthcare providers.
Ansalam et al. (Thu,) studied this question.