CLINICS

Healthcare-associated infections remain a persistent challenge globally, particularly in developing countries where resource constraints often hinder adherence to infection control protocols. This study investigates the knowledge, attitude, and practice of standard precautions among healthcare workers in selected clinics within Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The primary aim was to assess how well-informed healthcare workers are about standard precautions, their perceptions toward infection control, and how these translate into practical behaviors. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected from 150 healthcare workers using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Key variables assessed included knowledge of hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE), attitude toward routine precautions, actual implementation of infection control measures, and factors influencing compliance, including management support and availability of resources. The results revealed that while most healthcare workers exhibited good knowledge and positive attitudes toward standard precautions, there were variations in actual practice, especially concerning
equipment decontamination and workload-related compliance barriers. Notably, 88.7% regularly practiced hand hygiene, while only 60% consistently decontaminated reusable instruments. Availability of PPE and institutional support emerged as significant factors influencing adherence. The study recommends strengthening continuous training programs, improving PPE supply chains, and enhancing management engagement to sustain high compliance levels. These strategies are essential to improve healthcare safety and reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections.