Knowledge, attitudes and practises of oral healthcare workers in the Ugu district of KwaZulu-Natal towards infection prevention and control measures: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic
1
Department of Health (KwaZulu-Natal), Port Shepstone Regional Hospital, Port Shepstone, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3113
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Resilient infection prevention and control measures are essential for safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers1. Oral healthcare workers are especially vulnerable due to their close contact with the oral cavity and frequent exposure to aerosol-generating procedures2. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized these risks, providing critical lessons for improving infection prevention and control practises and system preparedness. This study quantified the prevalence of COVID-19 among oral healthcare workers in the Ugu District of KwaZulu-Natal and assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and practises (KAP) toward IPC measures during the pandemic, identifying lessons to enhance future infectious disease readiness.
METHODS:
An observational, descriptive study with an analytical component was conducted among all categories of oral healthcare professionals in both public and private sectors within the district. Data were collected through a self-administered KAP questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments3. Closed- and open-ended items were utilised to assess and score participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practises related to IPC. Out of 110 questionnaires distributed, 103 were returned (response rate = 94%). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to explore associations among KAP domains.
RESULTS:
The COVID-19 prevalence was low among participants, with 26.2% reported having tested positive for COVID-19. Knowledge (91.3%) and practise (86.5%) scores were high, while attitude (59.1%) scores were moderate. Bivariate correlation showed a directly proportional and positive relationship between attitudes and practises (r=0.404, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that knowledge had a significant negative relationship with practise (β = -0.3243, p = 0.0058) and attitude also had a significant negative relationship with practise (β = -0.3884, p = 0.0110).
CONCLUSIONS:
The study concludes that enhancing infection control requires integrated strategies targeting both cognitive and attitudinal change4. Continuous professional education, supported by digital and policy interventions, should be embedded within national IPC frameworks to reinforce healthcare resilience.
Resilient infection prevention and control measures are essential for safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers1. Oral healthcare workers are especially vulnerable due to their close contact with the oral cavity and frequent exposure to aerosol-generating procedures2. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized these risks, providing critical lessons for improving infection prevention and control practises and system preparedness. This study quantified the prevalence of COVID-19 among oral healthcare workers in the Ugu District of KwaZulu-Natal and assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and practises (KAP) toward IPC measures during the pandemic, identifying lessons to enhance future infectious disease readiness.
METHODS:
An observational, descriptive study with an analytical component was conducted among all categories of oral healthcare professionals in both public and private sectors within the district. Data were collected through a self-administered KAP questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments3. Closed- and open-ended items were utilised to assess and score participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practises related to IPC. Out of 110 questionnaires distributed, 103 were returned (response rate = 94%). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to explore associations among KAP domains.
RESULTS:
The COVID-19 prevalence was low among participants, with 26.2% reported having tested positive for COVID-19. Knowledge (91.3%) and practise (86.5%) scores were high, while attitude (59.1%) scores were moderate. Bivariate correlation showed a directly proportional and positive relationship between attitudes and practises (r=0.404, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that knowledge had a significant negative relationship with practise (β = -0.3243, p = 0.0058) and attitude also had a significant negative relationship with practise (β = -0.3884, p = 0.0110).
CONCLUSIONS:
The study concludes that enhancing infection control requires integrated strategies targeting both cognitive and attitudinal change4. Continuous professional education, supported by digital and policy interventions, should be embedded within national IPC frameworks to reinforce healthcare resilience.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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