Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice of Isolation Precautions for Infectious Disease Management at Plateau State Specialist Hospital

Background: Isolation precautions are essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings. Nurse knowledge and adherence to isolation protocols directly affect outbreak control outcomes. Aim: This study assessed nurses' knowledge and practice of isolation precautions for infectious disease management at Plateau State Specialist Hospital, North Central Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design recruited 80 registered nurses through stratified random sampling from infectious disease, medical, and emergency wards. Validated knowledge and practice tools were administered and direct observations conducted. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Adequate knowledge of standard and transmission-based precautions was demonstrated by 63% of nurses. Practice was adequate in only 50% of participants, with the lowest scores for negative pressure room use and correct donning and doffing of personal protective equipment. Training recency and infectious disease ward experience were positive predictors. Conclusion: Gaps in isolation precaution practice compromise infection containment efforts. The study recommends annual infectious disease nursing training, PPE supply procurement, and competency-based assessment of isolation practices in Nigerian hospitals. Keywords: isolation precautions, infectious diseases, nursing practice, Plateau State, infection control.