Knowledge and Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Among Healthcare Workers in Kano State Hospitals

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a cornerstone of occupational health protection in healthcare settings, particularly in low-resource environments. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of IPC measures among healthcare workers in selected secondary hospitals in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted involving 210 healthcare workers including nurses, laboratory scientists, and cleaners. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered, and observations were made using a standardized IPC compliance checklist. Results indicated that 58.6 percent of respondents possessed adequate knowledge of standard IPC precautions, while only 41.4 percent demonstrated consistent compliant practices. Barriers to compliance included insufficient supply of PPE, inadequate training, poor supervisory oversight, and high patient-to-staff ratios. Hand hygiene adherence was particularly low at 34.8 percent, falling below the World Health Organization benchmark. Significant knowledge-practice gaps were identified across all cadres, with cleaners and ward attendants showing the weakest understanding and practice scores. Attitude towards IPC was generally positive, though structural and systemic factors constrained implementation. This study recommends targeted IPC training workshops, regular supply chain audits for protective materials, and supervisory feedback mechanisms in public hospitals across Kano State. Strengthening institutional accountability frameworks is essential for improving occupational safety in healthcare environments. Keywords: infection prevention and control, healthcare workers, hand hygiene, knowledge-practice gap, Kano State.