Knowledge and Attitudes of Family Members Toward Nosocomial Infection Prevention in Hospital Settings

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a major challenge to patient safety, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Family members who accompany hospitalized patients may contribute to the transmission of infection when preventive behaviors are inadequate. This study aimed to examine the relationship between family members’ knowledge and attitudes toward nosocomial infection prevention in a hospital setting.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 88 family members of inpatients at a primary hospital, North Minahasa, Indonesia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire adapted from Abbate et al. and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result: The results showed that most respondents had low levels of knowledge (60.2%) and negative attitudes (60.2%) toward infection prevention. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge and attitudes (p < .05), indicating that higher knowledge levels were associated with more positive attitudes.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that improving family members’ knowledge through structured health education programs may enhance their attitudes and participation in infection prevention practices. Integrating family-centered infection control education into hospital safety programs is recommended.