Abstract
BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are prevalent yet preventable healthcare-associated infections. Effective prevention requires healthcare professionals (HCPs) to possess adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and adherence to best practices. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of HCPs regarding the prevention and management of CAUTI in a Maltese rehabilitation facility. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered online questionnaire from January to March 2023, using total population sampling of doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants (N = 315). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 315 HCPs invited, 215 responded (68.3%). KAP levels towards CAUTI prevention were moderate to adequate. The attitude scores of doctors and nurses varied significantly based on nationality (P = 0.011), professional designation (P = 0.010), and educational level (P<0.001). Positive correlations were identified between CAUTI knowledge and practices among doctors' and nurses' (P=0.002, r = 0.309). For nursing assistants, significant differences were observed across knowledge (P<0.001), attitude (P<0.001), and practice scores (P<0.001), based on age, educational level, job experience, and timing of their last infection prevention and control training. Positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitudes (P<0.001, r = 0.471), knowledge and practice (P<0.001, r = 0.383), and attitudes and practice (P<0.001, r = 0.403) for nursing assistants. CONCLUSIONS: HCP knowledge and attitudes directly influence CAUTI prevention practices. Continuous education and targeted training programmes are critical to improving practices and reducing CAUTI-related patient harm.