Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices in Biological Health Hazards Among Nurses and Doctors in the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Biological hazards, including Hepatitis B, HIV, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19, pose major occupational risks to healthcare workers. Despite training and policies, gaps often exist between knowledge, attitudes, and actual practices of infection prevention and control (IPC). General Aim: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of doctors and nurses regarding biological health hazards at Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving 285 healthcare workers (248 nurses and 37 doctors) selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via the KoBoCollect platform and analyzed using SPSS v28. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, were used to assess associations between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results: The findings revealed that most respondents had adequate knowledge of biological hazards (85.3%) and positive attitudes toward their prevention (73%). However, IPC practices were predominantly poor, with only 22% demonstrating good practices. Chi-square analysis showed that knowledge alone was not significantly associated with safe practices, while attitudes were significantly associated with better practices (χ² = 0.17, df = 1, p = 0.036). Conclusion: The study concludes that while knowledge provides the foundation, attitudes serve as a key determinant of safe practices. Nevertheless, positive attitudes require reinforcement through supportive institutional systems. Strengthening IPC practices requires integrated strategies that combine knowledge, positive attitudes, and robust institutional support.