Assessment of hemodialysis nurses’ performance toward infection prevention and control in Gaza hospitals

Hemodialysis (HD) units are high-risk areas for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Nurses play a vital role in infection prevention and control (IPC), yet their adherence to IPC standards can be inconsistent, especially in resource-limited areas like the Gaza Strip (GS). This study aimed to assess the performance of HD nurses in implementing IPC practices at governmental hospitals in the GS. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in six governmental hospitals, involving 112 registered nurses working in HD units. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, IPC-related knowledge, and self-reported performance. SPSS version 26 was used for both descriptive and inferential analysis. Nurses showed moderate IPC knowledge (mean = 78.4%, SD = 8.5) and performance (mean = 62.3%, SD = 12.1). Performance varied across domains, with the highest scores in injectable medication preparation (mean = 11.92, SD = 3.59) and the lowest in dialysis station disinfection (mean = 5.44, SD = 2.94). Significant differences in IPC performance were associated with gender, hospital location, and type of HD service (p < 0.001), with pediatric HD nurses demonstrating the highest compliance. HD nurses' performance is moderate, with gaps in environmental hygiene. These results highlight the need for training and monitoring targeted to enhance infection control and promote patient safety.