Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is fundamental to patient safety and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare workers play a central role in implementing IPC measures; however, adequate knowledge and positive attitudes may not always translate into consistent clinical practice.
Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize recent evidence on healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding IPC and identify factors contributing to the gap between knowledge and practice.
Methods: A systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Relevant studies published between 2020 and 2026 will be identified through searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase. Studies involving healthcare workers and assessing IPC knowledge, attitudes, practices, or compliance will be considered. Eligible studies will undergo independent screening, data extraction, and methodological quality appraisal using appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Findings will be synthesized narratively because of anticipated heterogeneity in study populations, settings, instruments, and outcome measures.
Expected Contribution: The review will clarify current IPC knowledge, attitudes, and practices, identify individual and organizational barriers to adherence, and examine the knowledge–practice gap. Findings may inform targeted education, institutional policies, resource allocation, monitoring strategies, and evidence-based interventions to strengthen IPC compliance and healthcare safety.