Surgical site infections (SSIs), prevalent globally, present a significant risk to healthcare systems. These infections have a heightened impact on lower-income nations. In spearheading infection prevention processes, an essential role is played by clinical medical students, who help implement critical procedures. Knowledge gaps and negative attitudes or practices, however, can negatively impact patient safety and surgical results. Therefore, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among clinical medical students, with a focus on Sudan, is crucial.
A cross-sectional inquiry surveyed 420 students from 13 Sudanese universities in an effort to gauge KAP regarding infection control measures in surgical settings. The study also resolved to identify possible hurdles and suggest improvement strategies. Data were gathered through an online self-administered questionnaire, which was categorised into various response levels.
Contrary to what might be expected, students who have not completed a surgical rotation possess better attitude scores towards infection control than their counterparts who already have. Despite the exposure, Sudanese medical students demonstrate only marginal awareness and inadequate practices about curbing infections in surgical environments. The scarcity of training and the limited availability of resources compound the problem.
The investigation underlines the critical need for targeted educational interventions to improve safety in clinical environments. It calls for enhancing supervision and delivering efficient access to infection control supplies, thereby ensuring adherence to prescribed mandates.
Surveys on surgical site infections (SSIs) serve as a global health monitor, particularly in the face of higher infection rates in lower and middle-income countries (LMICs). Africa’s incidence of SSIs is particularly concerning, with higher incidences in several regions within the continent.
Reduction in healthcare-associated infections and the protection of patients and healthcare workers largely depend on effective infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This involves adherence to measures like proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), strict adherence to sterile techniques, and safe handling of contaminated instruments.
The implementation of effective IPC protocols poses persistent challenges for Sudanese healthcare institutions. There is an urgent need to address these shortcomings, especially in teaching hospitals which are prone to unsafe practices due to high patient load and insufficient supervision.
Acquiring substantial knowledge of IPC is a critical aspect of professional development for clinical-year medical students. Studies affirm that a student’s IPC competence is influenced not just by formal instruction but also by exposure to institutional norms and the behavior of senior staff. In countries like Sudan, the significance of IPC competence is higher due to amplified structural limitations and cultural hierarchies.
Sudan’s medical curriculum offers scant formal training in IPC to its students despite their involvement in patient care. Furthermore, data on their readiness to control infections in a surgical setting remains largely unexplored. The implications of COVID-19 further stress the urgent need for revamping IPC foundations in surgical education.
The study employs a cross-sectional design to analyse the KAP concerning infection control amongst Sudanese medical students. It employs the Cochran formula for unknown population proportions and sampling techniques to ensure representation. Data are collected via a structured online questionnaire adapted from recognised infection control and healthcare quality guidelines. Analysis of responses is then performed through descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA.
The study finds several areas where knowledge in standard infection control protocols needs improvement. It concludes that targeted education interventions and improved supervision, supplemented by better access to infection control supplies, are crucial to enforcing safer clinical environments in Sudan.
Source: https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-08132-4