Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Preventing Infection Among Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Oncology patients receiving chemotherapy are at a high risk for developing infections. Identifying factors that predict infection practices among these patients can help improve the quality of care provided. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to infection prevention in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 patients with cancer. Results: The majority of participants had a low to moderate level of knowledge, with high levels of attitude and practice related to infection prevention. Knowledge was a significant predictor of attitude and practice, while attitude was a predictor of infection prevention practices. Knowledge and attitude emerged as mutual predictors, which could explain 23% of the variation in practice toward infection prevention (R 2 = 0.230, P = .00). Conclusions: Findings indicated that both knowledge and attitude were powerful predictors of practice toward infection prevention.