A Comparative Study of Bloom\'s Theory about Infection Control Methods Among Surgical Technologists and Students

Background & Aims of the Study: Nosocomial infection control has found a significant importance in prevention of mental stress, disabilities, declined life quality, mortality and shorter hospitalization as well as reducing the treatment costs. The aim of this study is to compare Bloom’s theory among operating room students and technologists about the infection control in 2014. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 244 technologists and 113 students who were classified by random sampling. The data collection was carried out by a standardized two questionnaires: demographic data, and the knowledge, practice and attitudes about infection control questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted by SPSS V20 and Levene’s test, T-test, Chi-square and Kendall tau-b correlation coefficient were investigated. Results: The mean of knowledge and practice in terms of infection control were on medium level in both groups and they had positive attitudes. Based on T-test, the two groups showed no significant difference in knowledge and attitudes about infection control methods (p>0.05). The mean of practice was however significantly higher among technologists as compared with the students (P<0.05). In terms of the association between knowledge, practice and attitudes, the relationship between knowledge and practice was significant; while attitudes and practice showed no significant relationship (P>0.05). Based on Kendall tau-b correlation coefficient, the relationship between knowledge and practice was direct and significant. Conclusion: Regarding better practice of technologists, it is recommended to develop and establish clinical qualification tests on infection control for the students before their clinical practice. On the other hand, regarding the key role of technologists and students in prevention of nosocomial infections especially in operation rooms, enhancement of their knowledge and skills must be included in the educational and operational programs of authorities.