What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the competency of infection control nurses in China and identify contributing factors.

May 1, 2026

Competency of Infection Control Nurses and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the competency of infection control nurses in China and identify contributing factors.
Cross-sectional survey conducted from December 2021 to January 2022 in 14 cities in Hunan Province, China.
Convenience sampling of 1010 infection control nurses who completed an online 69-item questionnaire.
Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore factors influencing competency.
946 valid questionnaires were analyzed, revealing an overall competency score of 272 points (P25-P75: 253-300).
Personal characteristics scored highest (85.71%), while teaching and research ability scored lowest (71.68%).
Years of experience (p < 0.001, β = 0.133), technical title (p < 0.001, β = 0.177), and income (p < 0.001, β = 0.196) significantly influenced competency.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections (NIs) are a global concern, straining healthcare resources and patient safety. Infection control nurses (ICNs) play a crucial role in NI management. However, comprehensive surveys assessing ICNs' competency are lacking. This study aimed to assess the competency of ICNs in China and identify influencing factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 across 14 cities in Hunan Province, China. Using convenience sampling, 1010 ICNs completed an online self-designed questionnaire comprising 69 items. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ICNs' competency. RESULTS: A total of 946 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall competency score of ICNs was 272 points (P25-P75: 253-300). Among the six primary competency domains, "Personal characteristics and qualities" demonstrated the highest performance, with a median score of 30 (P25-P75: 28-35) and a score rate of 85.71%. "Knowledge of NI prevention and control," "Management and coordination ability," and "Motivation" each showed a score rate of 80.00%, with median scores of 64 (P25-P75: 60-73), 40 (P25-P75: 37-44), and 24 (P25-P75: 22-27), respectively. "Skills in NI prevention and control" had a score rate of 78.89%, with a median score of 71 (P25-P75: 64-78). "Teaching and research ability" ranked lowest, with a score rate of 71.68% and a median score of 43 (P25-P75: 39-48). Several influencing factors were identified, including "years of experience in NI management" (p < 0.001, β = 0.133, and 95% CI = 1.574-4.989), technical title (p < 0.001, β = 0.177, and 95% CI = 3.208-22.460), and average monthly income (p < 0.001, β = 0.196, and 95% CI = 4.557-11.875). CONCLUSION: Competency of ICNs is at the upper-middle level: The focus of improving the competency of ICNs is to strengthen the training of NI prevention and control skills, including NI detection, risk identification, and information construction, and to improve their teaching and research ability.

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