Knowledge and perception of nosocomial infections among patients in a Nigerian hospital

Abstract

Nosocomial infections are infections that are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, and can lead to higher healthcare costs and longer hospital stays in both developed and developing countries. The objectives of the study were to identify the level of knowledge and perception of patients on nosocomial infection, and to determine the factors affecting the knowledge and perception of patients on nosocomial infection in Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Lagos (FMC). A cross-sectional research design was used in carrying out the research among in-patients of FMC where an interview-based semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Patients’ knowledge was categorised as good (≥ 70% score), fair (50–69%) and poor (< 50% score) while perception was grouped as positive and negative. Independent sample T-test and One-way Analysis of Variance was used to assess statistical difference in knowledge scores between categorical variables with 2 and 3 groups respectively. A total of 102 patients gave consent to participate in this study of which 46.1% were male, 27.5% were aged between 38 and 47 years and 69.6% were married. About 24% did not know what is meant by nosocomial infections while 53.9% stated that all hospital-acquired infections are preventable. Less than 19% strongly disagreed that making alcohol rubs mandatory for all visitors would decrease the incidence of nosocomial infections while all strongly agreed that if left untreated, such infections can become life-threatening. Overall, 15.7% showed good knowledge while most patients showed fair knowledge (71.6%) and a negative perception (51%) of nosocomial infections. There was a significant difference in patients’ knowledge of nosocomial infections based on age (0.012). There was also a statistically significant association between age and perception of patients towards nosocomial infections (p = 0.031). This study showed that most patients had fair knowledge as well as negative perception towards nosocomial infections. Age, had an influence on patients’ perception and knowledge of nosocomial infection.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Potential of Green-Synthesized Graphene–Silver Nanocomposite against Multidrug-Resistant Nosocomial Pathogens

“…Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), particularly those caused by drug-resistant pathogens, pose a significant global health threat. They affect more than 100 million people worldwide and 4 million patients in developed countries each year, with significant consequences for patient safety and disease burden [1]. HAIs are associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and significant financial costs.…”

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, these infections account for 4-56% of the neonatal deaths, with high incidence rates in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa [2]. In developed countries, the prevalence reaches 37% among patients admitted to intensive care units [1]. HAIs often involve multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulasenegative Staphylococci (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Legionella, and other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family [1].…”

“…In developed countries, the prevalence reaches 37% among patients admitted to intensive care units [1]. HAIs often involve multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulasenegative Staphylococci (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Legionella, and other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family [1]. Among opportunistic infections caused by Biomedicines 2024, 12, 1104 2 of 16 fungi, Candida spp.…”

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Nosocomial Infection in Hospitalized Children and Adults: A Review

“…The infection may have come from the outside environment, another sick patient, or potentially infected employees. Sometimes the microorganism comes from the patient's own skin microbiota and becomes opportunistic as a result of surgery or other treatments that undermine the skin's barrier of defense [5] . Just recently International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) reported of health care associated infections, data summary of 45 countries for 2015 to 2020, adult and pediatric units.…”