What type of study is this?

This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

September 10, 2025

Knowledge of Surgical Site Infection Prevention Among Anesthesia and Operating Room Service Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

BDBelgin DilmenBurdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi SFSüleyman FakiBurdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi

Key Points

Participants had a mean knowledge score of 14.8 out of 19, indicating generally adequate familiarity with SSI prevention.
Female students and those with prior infection control training showed significantly higher knowledge levels, suggesting targeted education is effective.
Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with 148 second-year anesthesia and operating room service students using a structured questionnaire.
Gaps in knowledge were noted particularly in environmental and pharmacologic practices, emphasizing the need for enhanced training.

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite being largely preventable through evidence-based practices, SSIs continue to pose a significant risk to patient safety and healthcare costs. Operating room personnel, including anesthesia and surgical technologists, play a crucial role in SSI prevention. Understanding their level of knowledge is essential for guiding targeted educational interventions. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge levels of future anesthesia and surgical technologists regarding evidence-based practices for the prevention of SSIs originating from operating room-related factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 148 second-year students enrolled in Anesthesia and Operating Room Services programs at Burdur Vocational School of Health Services during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and 19 true/false items related to SSI prevention. Non-parametric tests and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (p 0.05). Results: The mean knowledge score was 14.8 ± 2.3 out of 19. Female students, those in the Operating Room Services program, and participants who had received prior infection control training demonstrated significantly higher scores (p 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous infection training (OR = 3.35), female gender (OR = 1.79), and department (OR = 1.88) were significant predictors of higher knowledge levels. Conclusions: While participants demonstrated generally adequate knowledge on SSI prevention, gaps persisted in environmental and pharmacologic domains. Prior infection control training was the most influential factor. Targeted, curriculum-integrated training is essential to strengthen preventive competencies in future operating room personnel.

Perguntar à IA

Bookmark

View Full Paper