Assessment of Healthcare Providers’ Practices Concerning Nosocomial Infections in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections are infections acquired during the receipt of medical care that were neither present nor in the incubation stage at the time of admission. AIM: This study examined infection prevention and control (IPC) practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) in primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in PHCCs using a structured, self-administered questionnaire to assess sociodemographic characteristics and IPC practices. Participants included physicians, dentists, nurses, technicians, laboratory staff, and other healthcare professionals. RESULTS: HCWs who had received IPC training in the past year demonstrated higher practice scores (mean = 21.97, SD = 4.70) than those without recent training (mean = 19.31, SD = 3.95; P < 0.001). Consistent adherence to core behaviors was observed, with 79.4% routinely using gloves during high-risk procedures and 71.6% performing hand hygiene with detergent after patient contact. However, important gaps persisted: 54.4% reported always recapping used needles, and only 45.6% consistently treated infectious waste with disinfectants, indicating substantial room for improvement in waste management and needle safety practices. CONCLUSION: Overall IPC practices showed acceptable adherence in key areas such as glove use and hand hygiene, but unsafe behaviors related to waste disposal and needle handling remain common. Targeted educational interventions and regular training are needed to strengthen IPC practices and reduce the risk of nosocomial infections in PHCCs in Abha.