Radiographers' knowledge regarding the prevention of infectious diseases at a general hospital in Malta.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographers were knowledgeable in the prevention of infectious diseases at a general hospital in Malta. Research objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess radiographers' knowledge regarding the prevention of infectious diseases; to determine whether knowledge was influenced by gender, age or work experience; and to recommend methods for improving this knowledge. Methodology: The research design for this study was descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional and quantitative in nature and utilised a self-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of close-ended questions with only a few of these questions containing an extended section where participants could elaborate on their answer. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 radiographers working at a general hospital in Malta. Results: The questionnaire was completed and returned by 72 participants giving a response rate of 72%. The results showed that radiographers were found to be knowledgeable in the prevention of infectious diseases and scored a total mean score of 85.8%. A statistically significant difference was found between males and females where females were found to be more knowledgeable than males and obtained a mean score of 87.11% in comparison to 83% obtained by males. No scientifically significant difference in knowledge was found between different age groups or between different working experience groups. It was noted that the lowest mean scores were obtained in questions regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs). Radiographers' opinion on the frequency of cleaning items/objects was found to be within an acceptable infection control time frame for most items/objects. The data also showed that 75% of respondents stated that PPEs were readily available in their workplace. It was found that the majority of radiographers (59.8%) believe that there is a strong to very strong relationship between workload and good infection control practice. The vast majority of radiographers (98.6%) considered the prevention of infectious diseases as part of their role as radiographers. Conclusion: The study concluded that participants were found to be knowledgeable in the prevention of infectious diseases. Nonetheless further training in this subject should be provided to continue developing radiographers' knowledge.