Infection Prevention and Control Knowledge among Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Malaysia

Abdul Rahman Fata Nahas; Hanis Zulaikha  Samsuri; Muhammad Eid  Akkawi; Mohamed  Hassan Elnaem; Tarek  El Sayed; Nor Hidayah Mohd Taufek; Abdulkareem  Mohammed Al-Shami

doi:10.31436/jop.v4i2.318

Authors

Abdul Rahman Fata Nahas Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4879-6277
Hanis Zulaikha Samsuri Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia.
Muhammad Eid Akkawi Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia.
Mohamed Hassan Elnaem School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0873-6541
Tarek El Sayed Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sultan Zainal Abidin University, Terengganu, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2597-4189
Nor Hidayah Mohd Taufek Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6429-8884
Abdulkareem Mohammed Al-Shami Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University College of MAIWP International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1180-0172

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/jop.v4i2.318

Keywords:

Health science students, Infection prevention and control, knowledge, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a crucial component of the healthcare system that demands adherence to standards to avoid and reduce the risk of infectious diseases spreading among patients, staff members, and visitors to healthcare institutions. The aim of this study was to assess IPC knowledge among undergraduate health sciences students and to identify the critical IPC components that need to be addressed. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 235 final-year health science students at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), involving five faculties: the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Science. A 45-item questionnaire was used to collect participants’ sociodemographics (5 items) and explore their knowledge about IPC across six aspects (40 items). A score of > 24 (62%) indicates satisfactory knowledge. Results: The majority of the participants were female (74.9%), and 34% were from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Medicine students had the highest level of IPC knowledge with a mean score of 29.3 (n = 52), which was significantly different from Allied Health Science students (M = 25.6, n =55, p < 0.001). Other faculties students had similar IPC knowledge with no significant differences (Pharmacy: M = 27.5, n = 80; Nursing: M = 27.4, n = 29; Dentistry: M = 27.2, n = 19). IPC components that need to be improved are knowledge about sharp disposals and sharp injuries, as well as respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Conclusion: IPC knowledge was adequate among health science students at IIUM, although certain IPC components still require improvement. Additional IPC educational materials and workshops should be added to all faculties' syllabi to address this issue.

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