Assessment of Healthcare Workers Knowledge Regarding Infection Control Practices in Operating Rooms

Background and Objective: The term infection control describes the methodical use of techniques, protocols, and guidelines intended to stop, lessen, and control the transmission of illnesses. It includes determining the risks of infection, putting standard and transmission-based measures, making sure that correct cleanliness is maintained, and encouraging patient and healthcare worker safety. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers towards infection control practices at Ranya Teaching Hospital and Maternal and Pediatric Teaching Hospital within at Raparin Administration, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.Methods: This study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers towards the infection control process at Ranya Teaching Hospital and Maternal and Pediatric Teaching Hospital at Raparin Administration, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The study population includes all healthcare workers working in the theatre room, a total 50 healthcare workers participated in the study. Data were collected during a three-months period, from December 5th , 2024, to March 5th , 2025.Results: 50 healthcare workers, equally divided between male and female, participated in the study. The findings showed varying levels of awareness regarding infection control knowledge. 100% of respondents acknowledged the significance of hand hygiene and glove changing, demonstrating a high level of understanding of basic hygiene procedures. And critical knowledge gaps were identified, as 70% misunderstood the purpose of antiseptics, 88% incorrectly thought that needles should be recapped, and only 6% were aware of the five moments of hand hygiene.There were no statistically significant correlations between knowledge level and demographic characteristics, according to chi-square analysis.Conclusion: The findings indicate that although operation room staff members exhibit high levels of performance adherence to important infection control processes (such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sterilization protocols), there are notable some knowledge gaps, particularly with regard to fundamental infection control concepts like the "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene", the distinction between sterilization and disinfection, and safe sharps handling.