COVID-19 infection prevention and control preparedness among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Yemen: a comprehensive assessment of knowledge, practices, perceptions, and institutional readiness

Background and aim Healthcare workers (HCWs) remain at increased risk of occupational exposure to COVID-19, making effective infection prevention and control (IPC) essential for protecting healthcare personnel and patients. Evidence about HCWs’ knowledge, practices, perceptions, and institutional preparedness remains limited in Yemen. This study aimed to assess HCWs’ knowledge, practices, perceptions, and organizational preparedness regarding COVID-19 IPC measures in public hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen, and examine demographic and professional factors associated with these outcomes. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 386 HCWs selected using stratified random sampling from five public hospitals in Sana’a from September to November 2023. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, practices, perceptions, and workplace factors, complemented by an observational checklist evaluating institutional IPC preparedness. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. A p -value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Overall, 39.7% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, with substantial deficiencies observed in knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (7.5%), despite relatively better knowledge of disease concepts (61.9%) and treatment (54.5%). Good preventive practice was observed in 55.4% of participants, although compliance with personal protective equipment varied considerably. Only 8.0% demonstrated an overall positive perception toward COVID-19 prevention. Knowledge was significantly associated with age, educational level, profession, and years of experience (all p < 0.05), whereas practice was associated with sex, age, and profession. Observational findings revealed important institutional deficiencies, including the absence of negative-pressure isolation rooms, alcohol-based hand hygiene stations, routine HCW screening, and COVID-19-specific IPC guidelines. Conclusion HCWs in Yemeni public hospitals demonstrated moderate preventive practices but insufficient knowledge, predominantly negative perceptions, and substantial institutional preparedness gaps. Strengthening competency-based IPC training, ensuring continuous access to updated guidelines and essential resources, and improving organizational preparedness are critical for enhancing HCW safety and strengthening resilience against future infectious disease outbreaks.