Latent factors affecting safer injection practices that reduce infection and how education can improve them

Abstract Background The incidence of healthcare-associated infections, particularly injection-related infections, increases patient comorbidities even in countries with adequate medical resources. Although there are clear guidelines for injection practices to prevent infection, their application in clinical settings is insufficient. Therefore, we have identified factors that effectively affect the application of injection practices with reduced infection. Methods We developed a questionnaire related to safe injection for infection prevention and administered it to the medical staff in charge of injection practice. The survey questionnaires were classified into four factors through factor loading, and the factors affecting injection practice performance were analyzed using a multivariable robust regression test. Results In total, 842 questionnaires were analyzed. Each questionnaire was classified into four factors: “Reuse and contamination,” “Compliance with aseptic technique,” “Exchange of infusion set,” and “Use of multidose vials,” Nurses with higher careers showed more compliance; education within one year and awareness of each item of the questionnaire had positive associations with proper injection practice. Conclusions The most important factor in the proper injection practice with reduced infection is education, and relevant knowledge through timely education positively affects the performance and compliance related to safe injection.