Effect of an Infection Prevention and Control Training Program on Hemodialysis Nurses’ Performance in Governmental Hospitals in the Gaza Strip: A True Experimental Study

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are essential in hemodialysis (HD) units because of the increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Nurses play a central role in the implementation of IPC protocols; however, adherence to these guidelines remains inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured IPC training program on the knowledge and practices of HD nurses working in governmental hospitals within the Gaza Strip (GS). Methods: A true experimental design was adopted, utilizing a census sampling technique to include all 112 HD nurses, who were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The data collection tools included a self-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist, both of which were developed in accordance with the 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed via SPSS version 26. Results: Compared with those in the control group, nurses in the intervention group exhibited statistically significant improvements in both IPC knowledge and practice. The mean knowledge score increased from 49.41 to 79.91 (P=0.001), representing a 61.73% improvement. Similarly, practical adherence rose from 47.6% to 68.9% (P=0.001), indicating a 44.59% improvement in IPC compliance. Conclusion: The IPC training program proved to be highly effective in enhancing the performance of HD nurses regarding infection control measures. These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing, structured IPC training, especially in resource-constrained healthcare settings, to ensure sustained improvements in infection prevention practices.