Abstract

PURPOSE
This study is to identify factors affecting on the level of practice on nosocomial infection management of operating room nurses. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 155 nurses who worked in operating rooms of six medical centers in located Gwangju and Chonanam area. Data were collected during October, 2006 by the questionnaire including a total of 124 questions. Data collected were analysed with use of SPSS 12.0 program. RESULTS: There was a significant difference of the level of practice by marital status(t=3.957, p=.048), education level(F=3.691, p=.027), position(F=6.588, p=.002), type of hospital(t=4.857, p=.029), number of nurse(F=4.243, p=.007), education about nosocomial infection management(F=3.069, p=.030), management council(t=6.397, p=.012) and management manual(t=6.961, p=.009). There were significant correlations between knowledge and practice (r=.389, p=.000), and between awareness and practice(r=.389, p=.000). Knowledge on nosocomial infection management, awareness of hands washing and positions were affecting factors on the level of practice. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that knowledge and awareness on nosocomial infection prevention and management of operating room nurses should be improved through consistent education. and support of administrator's of hospitals is needed.

• Keywords: Infection control; Operating room nursing