Preparing the Frontline: Profiling Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Gaps in Healthcare-Associated Infection...

Area of Science:

• Infection Prevention and Control
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) present a major patient safety concern in Belize, with prevalence rates significantly higher than global averages.
• Allied health students are crucial for infection prevention, but their preparedness in resource-limited settings like Belize is unknown.
• This study addresses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of allied health students regarding HAIs at the University of Belize (UB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) concerning HAIs among allied health students at the University of Belize.
• To identify specific deficits in HAI knowledge and practices within this student population.
• To explore potential factors influencing KAP and identify distinct student profiles.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 210 randomly selected nursing, pharmacy, and medical laboratory science students at UB.
• Data collection via a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire with an 85% response rate.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, inferential tests (chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA), multivariable regression, and latent class analysis.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated moderate knowledge (54.9% correct), with strengths in general transmission but critical deficits in specific risk factors (e.g., ventilator-associated pneumonia) and bacterial agents.
• A significant knowledge-practice gap was observed, with practice scores varying significantly by academic program (p < 0.001).
• Latent class analysis identified three profiles: 'High Performers' (60.2%), 'Motivated Learners' (36.1%), and 'Disengaged' (3.7%). In-service training correlated with better practices.

Conclusions:

• University of Belize allied health students possess basic HAI knowledge but are underprepared in key clinical areas, showing a disconnect between theory and practice.
• There is an urgent need to transition from uniform curricula to tailored, competency-based education that integrates theory with mandatory simulation and clinical practice.
• Educational reforms focusing on practical application are essential to help mitigate Belize's high HAI burden.