KNOWLEDGE & PRACTICE OF INFECTION CONTROL AMONG BSN STUDENTS AT COLLEGE OF NURSING (MALE), SIR C.J INSTITUTE OF PSYCHIATRY HYDERABAD

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Hospital infection control is vital for the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. It impacts all hospital departments and involves quality risk management and clinical governance. Nurses are key in preventing infection through standard precautions and maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
Objective: The study aims to evaluate the knowledge and practices of infection control among BSN students at the College of Nursing (Male), Sir C.J. Institute of Psychiatry, Hyderabad.
Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was used in a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) with SPSS version 23.
Results: The study included 102 male nursing students, ages 18 to 25, from 1st to 3rd year.
Findings: Finding showed 73.5% had knowledge of standard precautions; 79.4% knew about hand washing procedures; 64% were aware of personal protective equipment use; 58% understood respiratory precautions; and 57.8% knew about sharp instrument precautions. Most (94.1%) were knowledgeable and practiced hand rubbing and blood transmission precautions. However, 64% did not use precaution-based measures in emergencies.
Conclusion: It was concluded that BSN students at the College of Nursing (Male), Sir C.J. Institute of Psychiatry, Hyderabad, demonstrate good knowledge of infection control but show poor practice. The study highlights a need for ongoing availability of guidelines and training for effective infection prevention.