Radiographers’ self-perceived knowledge regarding infection control in the Free State province during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Radiographers are regarded as essential healthcare workers. Therefore, knowledge and training regarding infection control are vital to minimise the potential risk of infections to patients.
Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the self-perceived knowledge of infection control among qualified radiographers and diagnostic radiography students.
Setting: The study was conducted in three public sector radiology departments during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods: A quantitative questionnaire was completed by 106 participants comprising radiographers and students of diagnostic radiography. Data were analysed using SAS version 9.4. The Wilcoxon two-sample and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to calculate the difference between the median values and to determine the significant differences between the experience, training cycle of infection knowledge, and knowledge of the participants.
Results: Only 30.2% (n = 32) of the participants knew that hands are the most basic mode of transmitting infections, while 98.1% (n = 104) knew that long fingernails harbour microbes. The participants’ knowledge of infection control was low to adequate. They rated themselves as having adequate to excellent knowledge about infection control. However, their median score was 60% which demonstrates an adequate level of knowledge. No significant relationship was noted between training and knowledge nor between the years of experience and knowledge.
Conclusion: Considering the findings, radiographers’ and student radiographers’ knowledge of infection control requires improvement. An infection control audit accompanied by in-service training on infection control might encourage radiographers to comply with infection control guidelines and enhance their knowledge.
Contribution: While infection control has been widely studied, fewer studies focus specifically on diagnostic radiography students and radiographers, despite their direct patient contact and exposure to infection risks. The study provides much-needed data for this under-researched group.