Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding the Decontamination and Sterilization of Surgical Instruments and Devices Across Five Provinces: A Descriptive Analysis

Background: Proper decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical devices are essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization procedures and to examine the relationships among these domains.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 and included 154 nurses working in hospitals across five provinces. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Characteristics Form and a structured questionnaire comprising knowledge (25 items), attitude (10 items), and practice (10 items) subscales. Total scores ranged from 0 to 45. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparative analyses, reliability analysis, and correlation analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority of participants were female and held a bachelor’s degree. The questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.91). Statistically significant positive correlations were observed among nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practice scores (p<0.001). Higher educational attainment, employment in a sterilization unit, prior training on sterilization processes, and longer professional experience were associated with significantly higher scores (p<0.05). No significant differences were found according to gender, age, or work pattern.

Conclusion: Higher levels of knowledge were associated with more positive attitudes and higher practice scores related to sterilization processes. The findings may help identify priority areas for future educational and organizational initiatives aimed at improving sterilization practices.

Keywords: Attitude, decontamination, knowledge, nurse, practice, sterilization