Knowledge and attitudes toward surgical site infection prevention among surgical and obstetric nurses in the Vinmec Healthcare System

Abstract

Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding surgical site infection (SSI) prevention and to examine factors associated with these outcomes among surgical and obstetric nurses in the Vinmec Healthcare System in 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 nurses working in Surgery and Obstetrics departments across Vinmec hospitals from November 2024 to September 2025. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to evaluate associations between nurses’ characteristics and SSI-prevention knowledge and attitudes. Results: Overall, 84.7% of nurses demonstrated good knowledge of SSI prevention, with a mean knowledge score of 22.68 ± 2.0 out of 27. In addition, 92.6% reported a positive attitude toward SSI prevention, with a mean attitude score of 21.4 ± 4.02 out of 25. Age and participation in SSI-prevention training within the previous 12 months were significantly associated with both knowledge and attitudes.Conclusion: Surgical and obstetric nurses within the Vinmec Healthcare System in 2025 generally exhibited good knowledge and positive attitudes toward SSI prevention; however, gaps persisted across age groups and training status. Nurses aged <30 years and those who had not received SSI-prevention training in the past year were more likely to have poorer knowledge and less favorable attitudes. Strengthening routine training and targeted support for younger nurses is recommended to enhance the effectiveness of SSI prevention across the system