Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Undergraduate Nursing Students Regarding Surgical Site Infections

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a critical healthcare issue, leading to increased patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Nursing students, as future healthcare professionals, play a pivotal role in preventing SSI. However, there is limited understanding of their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding SSI prevention. This study utilized a literature review design to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of undergraduate nursing students regarding surgical site infection (SSI) prevention. A comprehensive literature search was performed using electronic databases including CINAHL, PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Pak Medi Net, and BioMed Central. Initial searches identified relevant index terms related to nursing students and SSI prevention, which guided a more in-depth search. Studies were included based on their relevance to nursing students' KAP towards SSI prevention, with a focus on factors affecting adherence to infection control guidelines. Articles from various geographical locations were reviewed to compare findings across different educational and healthcare settings. The review found significant knowledge gaps and low adherence to SSI prevention protocols among nursing students in countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. Contributing factors included insufficient hands-on experience, limited educational content on SSI prevention, and institutional culture. Simulation-based education and targeted interventions were shown to enhance both knowledge and compliance with infection control measures, underscoring the need for such methods in nursing curricula. This review identifies critical areas in nursing education where interventions are needed to strengthen students’ understanding and practice of SSI prevention. By addressing these gaps, targeted educational programs can be developed to improve preparedness, enhancing both student competence and patient safety. The findings contribute to the broader field of infection prevention and control, offering insights that may inform curriculum design and policy to support improved infection control practices in healthcare settings.