EVALUATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS AMONG CLINICAL STUDENTS RADIOGRAPHY STUDENTS AT USMANU DANFODIO UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat to patient safety in healthcare settings. Radiography students, through their frequent patient and equipment contact, are at the frontline of infection transmission chains, making their knowledge and attitude toward Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) critical. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of and attitude toward nosocomial infections among clinical-year Radiography students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting clinical-year (300L, 400L, and 500L) Radiography students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to evaluate students' understanding of nosocomial infections and their attitudes toward preventive practices. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of students demonstrated good knowledge (over two-thirds) and positive attitudes toward IPC. However, distinct variations were observed across academic levels. 400L students exhibited the highest scores in knowledge (81.3%) and attitude (91%), followed by 500L students (72% and 76%), while 300L students had the lowest scores (65% for both). This progression suggests that clinical exposure and the duration of training significantly enhance IPC awareness. Despite the overall positive disposition, a minor level of complacency was noted, potentially linked to supervision gaps and resource availability. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concludes that clinical-year Radiography students at UDUS possess satisfactory knowledge and positive attitudes toward preventing nosocomial infections, with competence improving with academic progression. Nonetheless, to sustain and enhance these outcomes, the study recommends the early and continuous integration of IPC modules into the curriculum, periodic refresher training, ensuring the consistent availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and strengthened supervision during clinical postings. These measures are crucial for reinforcing IPC practices, thereby improving patient safety and radiography professional standards. Keywords: Noscomial Infection, Knowledge, Attitudes, students.