Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Infection Prevention in Mothers of Young Children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infection prevention for their children. Methods: In this descriptive study, data were collected using a questionnaire. A total 157 mothers of young children were surveyed regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infection prevention. Results: The mean score of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infection prevention in mothers was found to be above average. There were significant differences in knowledge according to whether the mother was employed (t=2.82, p=.005) and in attitudes according to the mother’s age (t=2.13, p=.035). In addition, a significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r=.16, p=.014), and between attitudes and practices (r=.50, p<.001). Conclusion: This research provides baseline information to understand mothers’ approaches to infection prevention for their children, and it may serve as a basis for providing educational programs that help infection prevention.