Amal Almedaini^1,, Anfal Al Bujayr¹, Khalid H. Alanazi¹

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding sterilization among CSSD staff working in Saudi MOH hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: cross-sectional study. METHODOLOGY: This study carried over 5 months (Dec 2020 - Apr 2021) targeted 371 CSSD working staff who are directly involved in reprocessing surgical instruments and medical equipment in the Saudi MOH Hospitals in all regions. Data collected by self-administered questionnaire consisting of personal information, work characteristics and the Knowledge Attitude and practice scale (KAP). RESULTS: MOST CSSD staff, either Specialized in CSSD or not, have sufficient knowledge regarding sterilization techniques. A positive correlation exists between knowledge-attitude, knowledge-practice and attitude-practice. It has been found some significate correlations between two of the study variables and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the study population. As expected there was a relationship between Specialty in sterilization and knowledge, but surprisingly, there was no relationship with practice and attitude. Also, there was a relationship between practice, attitude, and years of experience, But no relationship with knowledge. CONCLUSION: CSSD staff in Saudi MOH hospitals show very good knowledge and are having a high positive attitude towards the use of sterilization techniques, and are efficiently practicing the sterilization techniques.

Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Sterilization, Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI), Knowledge, Attitude, practice (KAP), Healthcare workers (HCWs)