Implementing Infection Control Principles in Medical Teaching Hospitals of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2011

Background and Nosocomial infections are one of the health problems of the present century. The rate of these infections increases by increase in the length of hospital stay and results in high rate of morbidity and mortality and high hospital costs. Moreover, such infections could easily spread in the community. Successful control of nosocomial infections requires appropriate preventive measures. Applying these principles of infection control by hospital staff can prevent further costs. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in staff working in operating theaters of hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2011. The data was collected using personal information questionnaire, a questionnaire on infection control and environmental checklist and operating room equipment. Through random sampling 200 staff were assessed regarding implementing principles of infection control in the morning, evening and night shifts using direct observation. SPSS was applied to analyze the data. Among the samples 26.5% were male and 63.5% were female. Most of the staff (89%) had acceptable behavior regarding implementing principles of infection control. The design and construction of the operating theaters and facilities were also in good condition. A significant relationship was found between the gender and implementing infection control principles (P=0.029). The studied population followed the principles of infection control regarding personal hygiene, sterilization and aseptic technique.