Nexus of Integrated Clinical Science (NICS)
This is the official journal for multidisciplinary clinical and health sciences and a leading platform that bridges multidisciplinary clinical science with evidence-based practice to advance healthcare quality, safety, and patient outcomes.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices Regarding Disinfection and Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention and Control Among Infection Prevention and Control Supervisors in Tehran, Iran

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Authors

Simin Sadeghi 1
Mozhdeh Laki 2
Soosan Abdollahi 3

1 Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University- Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of pharmaceutics, faculty of pharmacy, Lorestan University of medical sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/nics.2026.1.010
Abstract
Background: The global emergence of antimicrobial resistance has been accelerated by the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Hospitals are major reservoirs for the transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). This study aimed to evaluate hospital staff knowledge of HCAI prevention and control and disinfection practices in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 51 hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Between March and June 2019, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with infection prevention and control (IPC) supervisors using a structured questionnaire assessing disinfection practices and healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) prevention and control.
Results: The study included 51 hospitals in Tehran, with one infection prevention and control (IPC) supervisor from each hospital completing the questionnaire. Regular Infection Control Committee (ICC) meetings and HCAI training programs were reported in most hospitals. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections were reported in 72.5% of hospitals, with antibiotic overuse and misuse identified as the leading contributing factor. Overall, respondents rated their hospitals' HCAI prevention and control practices as satisfactory; however, 13% reported being unaware of an HCAI surveillance program. Disinfectant selection was primarily guided by Infection Control Committee (ICC) recommendations, national guidelines, product quality, supplier agreements, and product availability.
Conclusion: Although most hospitals reported established IPC programs, gaps in HCAI surveillance, microbiological monitoring, and disinfectant management remain. Strengthening IPC and antimicrobial stewardship programs may improve infection prevention and patient safety.
Implications for Patient Care: Strengthening infection prevention and control programs, improving HCAI surveillance, expanding routine microbiological monitoring, and optimizing antimicrobial stewardship may reduce healthcare-associated infections, improve patient safety, and support higher-quality healthcare delivery.

Graphical Abstract

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices Regarding Disinfection and Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention and Control Among Infection Prevention and Control Supervisors in Tehran, Iran

Keywords

Disinfection
Sterilization
Nosocomial Infection
Healthcare-associated Infection
Biocides
Subjects
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