Knowledge, Attitude, and the Practice Gap in Nosocomial Infection Control Among Afghan Healthcare Workers in Herat Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Nosocomial infections are a significant global health issue. In developing countries like Afghanistan, healthcare workers (HCWs) often lack adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) to control these infections. This study assessed KAP regarding nosocomial infections among HCWs in Herat, Afghanistan. Methods This cross-sectional study included 433 HCWs from 14 healthcare facilities in Herat City between October and December 2023. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on their KAP regarding nosocomial infection prevention and control. Results The mean age of participants was 27.35 years. Among them, 76.9% had a high attitude level, 53.8% had high knowledge, and 32.3% had high practice. Bachelor and MD health workers had higher knowledge odds than diploma holders (OR = 2.257, p = 0.006). Medical doctors (OR = 3.299, p = 0.008) and midwives (OR = 2.452, p = 0.050) also showed higher knowledge odds. Females had higher knowledge odds than males (OR = 2.073, p = 0.005). HCWs in private hospitals had higher attitude odds than those in Herat Regional Hospitals (OR = 2.610, p = 0.003). Married HCWs had higher practice odds than singles (OR = 0.621, p = 0.048), and those working eight hours or less daily had better practice odds than those working longer (OR = 2.132, p = 0.046). Conclusion This study provides baseline data to inform educational campaigns and intervention programs aimed at improving HCWs' KAP regarding nosocomial infection prevention and control in Afghanistan and similar settings.