Healthcare-Associated Infection Case Finding: Nursing Students' Knowledge About HAIs Signs and Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nurses' lack of knowledge about healthcare-associated infection (HAI) signs and symptoms is one reason for poor case finding and inaccurate reporting of HAIs. Objectives: This study aimed to assess internship nursing students' knowledge of HAI signs and symptoms. Methods: This survey included internship nursing students who were selected from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS). The participants completed a standardized form on HAI signs and symptoms developed by the Iranian Center for Communicable Diseases Control (ICDC). Microsoft Office Excel was used to calculate the frequency and percentage of responses. Results: The most commonly identified signs and symptoms included positive culture, leukocytosis, having an invasive device, and fever (80%). In contrast, less than 70% of students considered leukopenia, hypotension, antibiotic therapy, chills, and deliberate opening of incisions as indicators of infection in patients. Conclusions: The findings indicated that while nursing students are familiar with common signs and symptoms of HAIs, their knowledge concerning the less prevalent criteria is limited. These findings highlight the potential knowledge gaps and educational needs regarding HAI detection and reporting.