KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION AMONG NON-SURGICAL STUDENTS AT KMU INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES KURRAM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major challenge to patient safety and healthcare quality worldwide. Proper sterilization and disinfection practices are essential for preventing infection transmission in healthcare settings. Non-surgical healthcare students frequently interact with patients and clinical environments; therefore, adequate knowledge and positive attitudes regarding infection prevention are important. Objective To assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding sterilization and disinfection among non-surgical students at KMU Institute of Health Sciences Kurram. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 non-surgical students at KMU-IHS Kurram, Pakistan. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge-related questions, and attitude statements regarding sterilization and disinfection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results Most participants were aged 21–25 years (59.9%), while males constituted 52.3% of the study population. More than half of the students (56.2%) had not received formal training regarding sterilization and disinfection. The majority correctly identified sterilization as elimination of all microorganisms including spores (67.2%), recognized autoclaving as a sterilization method (69.0%), and acknowledged the importance of personal protective equipment during sterilization procedures (78.4%). Positive attitudes toward infection prevention were also observed, with 46.4% strongly agreeing and 38.3% agreeing that proper sterilization prevents infections. Conclusion Non-surgical healthcare students demonstrated moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes regarding sterilization and disinfection practices. However, important knowledge gaps and insufficient formal training were identified. Strengthening infection prevention education and practical infection control training is recommended to improve safe clinical practices among healthcare students.