Impact of Structured Teaching Program (STP) On Infection Control among students of selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam
Bandana Devi1, Pompi Baishya2, Biswani Bharadwaj3, Bhaswati Deka3, Lapynshai Kharnaior3, Abhilasha Tamuli3, Sweeta Sah3, Jannat Sultana3, Riyamoni Begum3, Dibyasmita Bora3
1Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Principal, Arya Nursing College, Changsari, Assam, India.
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing,
Faculty, Arya Nursing College, Changsari, Assam, India.
3B.Sc. Nursing 4th Year, Arya Nursing College, Changsari, Assam, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: bandananst@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT:
A pre-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a Structured Teaching Program (STP) on knowledge and practice on infection control among B.Sc. Nursing 1st semester and GNM 1st year students in Selected Nursing Institutes of Kamrup, Assam. A total of 77 participants were selected by using purposive and convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a semi-structured knowledge questionnaire and an observational checklist. Pre- and post-test scores were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings showed that, 61% of the students belongs to 17-19 years of age, 36.4% belongs to 20-22 years of age, 2.6% belongs to >22 years of age respectively and 6% are males and 94% are females. 64% are from B.Sc. Nursing 1st semester and 36% are from GNM 1st year. 18% attended training program on Infection Control, 42.8% use mass media, 14.3% health care professionals, 28.6% training program and 14.3% family, friends. Pre-test findings showed that 19.5% of participants had adequate knowledge, 63.6% had moderate knowledge, and 16.9% had inadequate knowledge. Post-test results indicated improvements: 16.9% had adequate knowledge, 68.8% had moderate knowledge, and only 14.3% had inadequate knowledge. Regarding practice, pre-test results showed 19.5% had poor practice, 61% average, and 19.5% good practice whereas Post-test results found 19.5% poor, 48% average, and 32.5% good practice. The mean knowledge scores improved from 6.27±1.87 (pre-test) to 11.1±3.7 (post-test), with a t-value of 10.50 (df = 76), indicating a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). Similarly, practice scores increased from 16.3±2.42 to 18.1±2.15 (t = 6.33, df = 76, p<0.05). No significant association was found between pre-test scores and demographic variables such as age, gender, class, prior training, and source of information. Hence, it showed that the Structured Teaching Program was effective in significantly improving both knowledge and practice regarding infection control among nursing students.
KEYWORDS: Structured Teaching Program, Infection Control, Nursing Students, Knowledge, Practice, Pre-experimental Study.
INTRODUCTION:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a scientific approach and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to patients and health workers. It is a subset of epidemiology, but also serves an essential function in infectious diseases, social sciences and global health1. Infection control refers to the policy and procedures implemented to control and minimize the dissemination of infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings with the main purpose of reducing infection rates.
Hospital-acquired infections (Healthcare-associated Infections) are nosocomially acquired infections that are not present or incubating at the time of admission to a hospital. These infections include Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI), Surgical Site Infections (SSI), Ventilator- Associated Pneumonia (VAP), Hospital- Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) and clostridium difficile infections. Symptoms that favor an infection include productive cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, altered mental status, palpitations, suprapubic pain, polyuria, dysuria and costovertebral angle tenderness. These infections are usually acquired after hospitalization and manifest 48 hours after admission to the hospital.
For the last few decades, hospitals have taken Hospital-acquired infections seriously. Several hospitals have established infection tracking and surveillance system and robust prevention strategies to reduce the rate of Hospital-acquired infections. The impact of Hospital-acquired infection is seen not just at an individual patient level but also at the community level, as they have been linked to multidrug-resistant infections. Identifying patients with risk factors for Hospital-acquired infections and multidrug-resistant infections is very important in preventing and minimizing these infections.2
The recent worldwide scenario of hospital Infection Control in 2022 reveals a pressing concern. Despite efforts to improve Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices, Healthcare-associated infections continue to affect millions of patients globally every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), out of every 100 patients in acute care hospitals, 7 patients in high income countries and 15 patients in low- and middle-income countries will acquire at least one HAI during their hospital stay. This highlights the significant burden of HAIs on healthcare systems and patient safety.3
NEED OF THE STUDY:
According to world health organisation (WHO) a hospital acquired infections (HAIs) is an infection that a patient gets while receiving care in hospital or other health care facility. Globally, hundred million of people are affected by health care associated infections every year.
To promote a technical strategy and practical solutions for minimizing the damage caused by HAI, the world health organization (WHO) provided a framework for infection prevention and control (IPC). IPC is a key component of quality control and ensuring patient safety in hospitals. Preventing infection related to health care setting and reducing infection transmission are the main goals of IPC. The increasing demand for healthcare acquired infection (HAI) control practices and services has intensified the need to evaluate care quality.
Alam M, Biswas S, Khatun R, Akter L, Rahman F (2024) conducted a cross-sectional study on nurses’ knowledge regarding infection control at national institute of diseases of the chest and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total 50 nurses were selected conveniently from 200 nurses. A self-administering structured questionnaire was used for data collection and descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 36.02 years. Majority (92%) of the respondents were female and only 10% were unmarried. More than half 54% of the respondents did not have any special training on infection control. The overall knowledge level of the nurses showed that about 60% nurses had average level of knowledge on infection control.4
Khanam F, Saha A. K, Mittra C. R (2020) conducted a cross-sectional study on infection control practices in a district hospital. A total two hundred and twelve (212) healthcare worker were selected for this study. Among the healthcare worker 21(9.9%) were doctor, 143 (67.5%) were nurse, 8(3.8%) were technologist, 7(3.3%) were Aya, 13(6.1%) were ward bay and 20(9.4%) were cleaner. The practices scores were categorised in to good (>80%), fair (59-79%), and poor (<59%). The study found that overall, of the respondents had fair practices regarding infection control. Among the doctors, nurse 7.3% had good practice, 51.8% had fair practice and 40.9% had poor practice. Among the supporting staffs 54.20% had fair practice and 45.80% had poor practice regarding infection control practices.5
Theabove mentioned studies show that there is need of conducting teaching programregarding Infection Control among health care workers. Due to lack of knowledge and practices among health care workers, there is increase number of hospital-acquired infection cases in India. Therefore, the researchers felt the need to conduct a study to assess the impact of Structured Teaching Program (STP) on Infection Control among the Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
PROBLEM STATEMENT:
Impact of Structured Teaching Program (STP) on Infection Control among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
1. To assess the pre-test and post-test knowledge levels on Infection Control among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam
2. To assess the pre-test and post-test practice levels on Infection Control among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
3. To assess the impact of Structured Teaching Program on Infection Control among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
4. To associate the pre-test knowledge and practice level on Infection Control with selected demographic variables among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
HYPOTHESIS:
All the hypothesis are tested at 0.05 level of significance.
H1: There will be significant change in post-test level of knowledge on Infection Control among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam after the Structured Teaching Program.
H2: There will be significant change in post-test practice scores on Infection Control among Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam after the Structured Teaching Program.
H3: There will be significant association of pre-test knowledge scores on Infection Control with selected demographic variables of Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam after the Structured Teaching Program.
H4: There will be significant association of pre-test practice scores on Infection Control with selected demographic variables of Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam after the Structured Teaching Program.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Research Approach: Quantitative research approach.
Research Design: Pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design.
Setting: Arya Nursing College and Arya School of Nursing, Kamrup, Assam.
Population: Nursing Students of Kamrup, Assam.
Sample: B.Sc. Nursing 1st Semester and GNM 1st Year Students who are studying in Arya Nursing College & Arya School of Nursing, Kamrup, Assam.
Sample size: 77 Students from which 49 Students are from of B.Sc. Nursing 1st Semester and 28 Students are from GNM 1st Year.
Sampling technique: Convenient and Purposive sampling technique.
Sample selection criteria:
a) Inclusion criteria:
· Both male and female of B.Sc. Nursing 1st Semester and GNM 1st Year Students.
· Those who are present during the time of data collection.
b) Exclusion criteria:
Those who are not willing to participate.
Description of the tool:
The tool comprises of three sections-
Tool 1: Demographic variables
Tool 2: Semi Structured questionnaire
Tool 3: Inventory Checklist
Tool 1: It consists of 5 demographic variables.
Tool 2: It consists of 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) based on the Knowledge regarding Infection Control. Each correct question contains 1 mark and incorrect question contains 0.
Scoring was categorized as:
In pre-test:
Adequate: >=8
Moderately adequate: 5-7
Inadequate: <=4
In post-test:
Adequate: >=15
Moderately adequate: 8-14
Inadequate: <=7
Tool 3: It consists of 20 Questions/ Statements based on the Practice regarding Infection Control. Each Yes answer contains 1 mark and No answer contains 0.
Scoring was categorized as:
In pre-test:
Good practice: >=19
Average practice: 15-18
Poor practice: <=14
In post-test:
Good practice: 20
Average practice: 17-19
Poor practice: <=16
Content validity:
The content validity of the toolswas obtained from 5 experts of different departments i.e., Medical Surgical Nursing, Child Health Nursing and Community Health Nursing. The correctionswere done according to their valuable suggestions.
Data Collection Process:
After getting permission from concerned authority and consent from samples pre-test data were collected by using semi structured questionnaire and inventory check list. After collecting the pre test data structured awareness program (STP) was conducted on infection control. Post test data were collected after 07 days of STP.
RESULTS:
Table 1: Distribution of demographic variables of the samples.
|
Demographic variables |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Age in years |
|
|
|
17-19 years |
47 |
61% |
|
20-22 years |
28 |
36.4% |
|
>22 years |
2 |
2.6% |
|
Gender |
|
|
|
Male |
5 |
6% |
|
Female |
72 |
94% |
|
Transgender |
0 |
0% |
|
Class |
|
|
|
B. Sc Nursing 1st |
49 |
64% |
|
Semester |
28 |
36% |
|
GNM 1st Year |
|
|
|
Attended any training program |
|
|
|
Yes |
14 |
18% |
|
No |
63 |
83% |
|
Source of information |
|
|
|
Mass Media |
6 |
42.8% |
|
Health care professionals |
2 |
14.3% |
|
Training program |
4 |
28.6% |
|
Family, Friends |
2 |
14.3% |
Table no.1: Show that age in years: It reveals that among 77 samples, majority 61% were in the age group of 17-19 years, 36.4% were in the age group of 20-22 years, 2.6% were in the age group of >22 years. Gender: It reveals that among 77 samples, 6% belongs to male and 94% belongs to female. Class: It shows that 64% were B.Sc. Nursing 1st Year and 36% were GNM 1st Year. Attended any training program: It shows that 18% have attended and 83% haven’t attended any training program. Source of information: It shows that 42.8% got information from mass media, 14.3% got information from healthcare professionals, 28.6% got information from training program and 14.3% got information from family, friends.
Table 2(i): Frequency and percentage distribution of pre-test and post-test knowledge level regarding Infection Control among students of selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
|
Level of knowledge |
Pre-Test |
Post-Test |
||
|
Frequency(f) |
Percentage (%) |
Frequency(f) |
Percentage (%) |
|
|
Adequate knowledge |
15 |
19.5% |
13 |
16.9% |
|
Moderate knowledge |
49 |
63.6% |
53 |
68.8% |
|
Inadequate knowledge |
13 |
16.9% |
11 |
14.3% |
The above tables shows that in pre-test 13(16.9%) of Nursing Students had inadequate knowledge, 49(63.6%) of Nursing Students had moderate knowledge and 15(19.5%) of Nursing Students had adequate knowledge. In post-test 11(14.3%) of Nursing Students had inadequate knowledge, 53(68.8%) of Nursing Students had moderate knowledge and 13(16.9%) of Nursing Students had adequate knowledge.
Figure 1- Frequency and percentage distribution of pre-test and post-test knowledge.
Bar diagram shows that in pre-test 16.9% students had inadequate knowledge, 63.6% of students had moderate knowledge and 19.5% of students had adequate knowledge regarding Infection Control. In post-test 14.3% students had inadequate knowledge, 68.8% students had moderate knowledge and 16.9% students had adequate knowledge.
Table 2(ii): Mean, Standard deviation and paired “t” test value for effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program regarding Infection Control among students of selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
|
Level of Knowledge |
Knowledge score |
Paired T-test |
df |
Table value |
P values |
||
|
Mean |
SD |
Mean difference |
|||||
|
Pre-Test |
6.27 |
1.82 |
4.83 |
10.50 |
76 |
2 |
0.001 |
|
Post-Test |
11.1 |
3.7 |
|||||
*p<0.05 level of significance
The above table represent that the mean, standard deviation, and t-test value of pre-test and post-test knowledge score of the students regarding infection control. Table indicates that the knowledge score of pre-test and post-test is 6.27 and 11.1 respectively. The post-test knowledge score of students regarding infection control was found significantly higher after structured teaching program than the pre-test knowledge score. It is also seen that the calculated paired “t” test value is higher than the tabulated value which is significant at 0.05 level of significance. This indicates that there is significant difference on the knowledge regarding infection control among the students.
Table 3 (i). Frequency and percentage distribution of pre-test and post-test practice level regarding Infection Control among students of selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam
|
Level of practice |
Pre-Test |
Post-Test |
||
|
Frequency (f) |
Percentage (%) |
Frequency (f) |
Percentage (%) |
|
|
Good practice |
15 |
19.5% |
25 |
32.5% |
|
Average practice |
47 |
61% |
37 |
48% |
|
Poor practice |
15 |
19.5% |
15 |
19.5% |
|
Total |
77 |
100% |
77 |
100% |
The above tables shows that the data during pre-test 15(19.5%) of Nursing Students had poor practice, 47(61%) of Nursing Students had average practice and 15(19.5%) of Nursing Students had good practice regarding Infection Control. In post-test 15(19.5%) of Nursing Students had poor practice, 37(48%) of Nursing Students had average practice and 25(32.5%) of Nursing Students had good practice regarding Infection Control.
Figure 2. Frequency and percentage distribution of pre-test and post-test practice level.
Bar diagram shows that in pre-test 19.5% students had poor practice, 61% students had average practice and 19.5% students had good practice regarding Infection Control. In post-test 19.5% students had poor practice, 48% students had average practice and 32.5% students had good practice regarding Infection Control.
Table 3 (ii). Mean, Standard deviation and paired “t” test value for effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program regarding Infection Control among students of selected Nursing Institute, Kamrup, Assam.
|
Level of Practice
|
Practice score |
Paired T-test |
df |
Table value |
P values |
||
|
Mean |
SD |
Mean difference |
|||||
|
Pre-Test |
16.3 |
2.42 |
1.8 |
6.33 |
76 |
2 |
0.001 |
|
Post-Test |
18.1 |
2.15 |
|||||
*p<0.05 level of significance
The above table represent that the mean, standard deviation, and t-test value of pre-test and post-test practice score of the students regarding infection control. Table indicates that the practice score of pre-test and post-test is 16.3 and 18.1 respectively. The post-test practice score of students regarding infection control was found significantly higher after structured teaching program than the pre-test practice score. It is also seen that the calculated paired “t” test value is higher than the tabulated value which is significant at 0.05 level of significance. This indicates that there is significant difference on the practice regarding infection control among the students.
Table 4(i): To associate the pre-test knowledge on Infection Control with selected demographic variables. n=77
|
Demographic variables |
Inadequate variables |
Moderate variables |
Adequate variables |
Total |
Chi- square |
P value |
df |
Remarks |
|
|
Cal.value |
Tab. Value |
||||||||
|
Age |
|||||||||
|
17-19 years |
7 |
31 |
7 |
45 |
4.42 |
9.49 |
0.35 |
4 |
NS |
|
20-22 years |
5 |
18 |
7 |
30 |
|||||
|
>22years |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
Gender |
|||||||||
|
Male |
1 |
4 |
0 |
5 |
1.31 |
5.99 |
0.51 |
2 |
NS |
|
Female |
12 |
45 |
15 |
72 |
|||||
|
Class |
|||||||||
|
B.Sc. Nursing 1st Semester |
6 |
30 |
13 |
49 |
5.27 |
5.99 |
0.07 |
2 |
NS |
|
GNM 1st year |
7 |
19 |
2 |
28 |
|||||
|
Attended any training program |
|||||||||
|
Yes |
3 |
8 |
3 |
14 |
0.36 |
5.99 |
0.83 |
2 |
NS |
|
No |
10 |
41 |
12 |
63 |
|||||
|
Source of information n=14 |
|||||||||
|
Mass media |
1 |
4 |
1 |
6 |
5.10 |
12.59 |
0.53 |
6 |
NS |
|
Healthcare professional |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|||||
|
Training program |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|||||
|
Family, Friends |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|||||
*p value<0.05 level of significance
NS=non-significance
Table no 4(i): The above interprets the association between pre-test knowledge regarding Infection Control among Nursing Students with their selected demographic variables which was tested by using chi-square test. Result revealed that demographic variables such as age, religion, class, attended any training program and source of information were not found any significant association at p<0.05 level with pre-test knowledge regarding Infection Control among Nursing Students. So, there is no significant association between the pre-test knowledge with selected demographic variables.
Table 4(ii): To associate the pre-test practice on Infection Control with selected demographic variables. n=77
|
Demographic variables |
Poor practice |
Average practice |
Good practice |
Total |
Chi- square |
P value |
Df |
Remarks |
|
|
Cal.value |
Tab. Value |
||||||||
|
Age |
|||||||||
|
17-19 years |
12 |
27 |
8 |
47 |
1.89 |
9.49 |
0.75 |
4 |
NS |
|
20-22 years |
8 |
19 |
6 |
33 |
|||||
|
>22years |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
Gender |
|||||||||
|
Male |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
0.0024 |
5.99 |
0.99 |
2 |
NS |
|
Female |
14 |
44 |
14 |
72 |
|||||
|
Class |
|||||||||
|
B.Sc. Nursing 1st Semester |
8 |
29 |
13 |
50 |
4.21 |
5.99 |
0.12 |
2 |
NS |
|
GNM 1st year |
7 |
18 |
2 |
27 |
|||||
|
Attended any training program |
|||||||||
|
Yes |
5 |
6 |
3 |
14 |
3.27 |
5.99 |
0.19 |
2 |
NS |
|
No |
10 |
41 |
12 |
63 |
|||||
|
Source of information n=14 |
|||||||||
|
Mass media |
1 |
3 |
2 |
6 |
7.42 |
12.59 |
0.28 |
6 |
NS |
|
Healthcare professional |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|||||
|
Training program |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
Family, Friends |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|||||
*p value<0.05 level of significance
NS=non-significance
The above table interprets the association between pre-test practice regarding Infection Control among Nursing Students with their selected demographic variables which was tested by using chi-square test. Result revealed that demographic variables such as age, religion, class, attended any training program and source of information were not found any significant association at p<0.05 level with pre-test practice regarding Infection Control among Nursing Students. So, there is no significant association between the pre-test practice with selected demographic variables.
CONCLUSION:
From the present study most of the B.Sc. nursing 1st semester and GNM 1st year students have moderate knowledge regarding infection control. The mean knowledge score of post test was more than pre test. The calculated paired t test value was more than the tabulated value. The Chi-square shows there is non significance association between pre-test knowledge scores with the selected demographic variables.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
· A similar study can be done in the larger sample for better generalization.
· A pre-experimental study can be conducted on the infection control.
· A similar study can be conducted among the health care providers to assess knowledge, practice and impact.
· Plan for teaching program to gain knowledge regarding the infection control among nurses.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Special thanks to all the participants of the study and principal, faculty members and librarian.
REFERENCE:
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2. Alberto F, Vijayadershan Muppidi, Hariharan Regunath, Hospital acquired infections (Archived)[online] (February 12),2023 Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441857
3. WHO launches first ever global report on Infection prevention and control, [online] (May6)2022, Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/06-05-2022-who-launches-fiest-ever-global-report-on-infection-prevention-and-control
4. Alma M, Biswas S, Khatun R, Aktar L, Rahman F, a cross-sectional study on nurses knowledge regarding infection control at national institute of diseases of the chest and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, [online] jul-dec2024, vol7(2);253-262. Available from: https://www.nursingjournal.net/article/view/423/7-2-53
5. Khanam F, Saha A. K, Mittra C. R, a cross-sectional study on infection control practices in a district hospital ,[online]2020,vol6(2). Available from: https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/AJMBR/article/view/48079.
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Received on 23.07.2025 Revised on 16.08.2025 Accepted on 01.09.2025 Published on 27.10.2025 Available online from November 08, 2025 Int. J. Nursing Education and Research. 2025;13(4):256-262. DOI: 10.52711/2454-2660.2025.00051 ©A and V Publications All right reserved
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