Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Basic Infection Prevention and Control Measures among Healthcare Workers in Divisional Hospitals in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Healthcare workers are at increased occupational risk of exposure to respiratory infectious diseases due to frequent contact with infected patients and healthcare environments. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures remain essential for reducing healthcare-associated transmission and protecting both healthcare workers and patients. While adequate knowledge and positive attitudes are important determinants of preventive behaviour, organizational and environmental factors may influence successful implementation within healthcare settings.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding basic infection prevention measures among healthcare workers employed in Divisional Hospitals under the Regional Directorate of Health Services, Colombo District, Sri Lanka.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers employed in nine Divisional Hospitals within Colombo District. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire developed through literature review and expert consultation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and KAP indicators. Chi-square tests were employed to assess associations between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05.
Results: A total of 469 healthcare workers participated in the study. Most respondents demonstrated satisfactory knowledge regarding infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene (96.8%), mask use (96.8%), and social distancing (90.6%). Positive attitudes toward infection prevention measures were observed, with over 90% agreeing that mask use protects individuals, family members, and communities. Preventive practices were generally satisfactory; however, only 51.8% consistently practiced workplace social distancing. Significant associations were observed between knowledge regarding mask type and mask-wearing practices (χ²=134.807, p<0.001) and between attitudes toward social distancing and distancing practices (χ²=84.649, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Healthcare workers demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and generally positive attitudes regarding infection prevention measures. Nevertheless, important implementation gaps were observed, particularly in workplace social distancing and resource adequacy. Strengthening institutional IPC systems, ensuring adequate resource availability, addressing workplace barriers, and implementing continuous quality improvement interventions are essential to improve sustainable compliance with infection prevention measures.

Healthcare workers; Infection prevention and control; Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices; Healthcare-associated infections; Sri Lanka.

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