Knowledge and difficulties of nurses regarding basic infection control precautions ; Conocimientos y dificultades de los enfermeros sobre las precauciones básicas de control de infecciones ; Conhecimento e dificuldades dos enfermeiros sobre as precauções básicas de controlo de infeção

Introduction: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) remain a significant challenge despite the national strategies implemented for their control. Basic Infection Control Precautions (BICPs) constitute the first line of defence in preventing HAIs, making adequate knowledge among nurses essential. Objective: To analyse the level of knowledge, perceptions, and conditioning factors that influence nurses’ adherence to BICPs in the Emergency Department of a Local Health Unit in Northern Portugal. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in an emergency department, involving a convenience sample of 83 nurses. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, and inferential analysis included Chi-square and ANOVA tests (p < 0.05). Results: Most nurses presented a moderate level of knowledge (57.8%). Professional experience and academic degree showed only a positive trend in relation to overall knowledge, whereas specific training in infection control had a statistically significant impact on knowledge level. The main barrier identified was the high number of patients (79.5%). Continuous training (92.8%) was highlighted as the most effective strategy. Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge, although relevant gaps persist. The findings highlight the importance of continuous training in this area and the presence of predominantly organizational difficulties. ; Introducción: Las Infecciones Asociadas a la Atención Sanitaria (IAAS) siguen siendo un desafío significativo a pesar de las estrategias nacionales implementadas para su control. Las Precauciones Básicas de Control de Infecciones (PBCI) constituyen la primera línea de defensa en la prevención de las IAAS, siendo esencial que los enfermeros posean un conocimiento adecuado. Objetivo: Analizar el nivel de conocimiento, las percepciones y los factores condicionantes que influyen en la adhesión de los enfermeros a las PBCI en el Servicio de Urgencias de una Unidad Local de Salud ...