Abstract:

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), one of the leading causes of, morbidity and mortality, are common in developing countries. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), commonest cause of HAIs. Hospital-associated infections are associated with extended hospital stay, and attributable costs to the health care sector. Practice of hand hygiene may help in the control of nosocomial infections. A lot of research were done on awareness of Nosocomial infections among health care workers but the patient have been reglected. This work is trying to reduce the gap.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Information on knowledge and practice was obtained from patient with the aid of a structured questionnaire.

Results: Fifty six out of the 197 (28%) respondent were aware of nosocomial infection. However 19.9%, 16.9% and 18.9% managed to mention only one example, one infectious agent and behavior which led to spread of the nosocomial infection respectively. 22.9% of the respondent could mentioned more than two method of preventing nosocomial infections.

Conclusion: The awareness of nosocomial among patient admitted in Bugando Medical Centre ward is poor. Training workshop should be organized by health care workers and disseminated through media to reduce HAIs.