Nurses' awareness on hospital acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients: A descriptive and cross-sectional study

Introduction: The increasing number of persons > 65 years of age form a special population at risk for nosocomial and other health careassociated infections. Nosocomial infections are major problems in terms of morbidity and mortality as well as prolonged hospitalization and increased costs. The aim of the present study was determination of nurses' awareness of hospital-acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients. Methodology: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in North Cyprus. A total of 164 voluntary nurses composed the sample of the study. A questionnaire that was developed by the researchers based on the literature was used as data collection tool. After the ethical approval, data were collected using a questionnaire in September and October 2017 with self-completion method. The methods used to analyze the data include an analysis of descriptive statistic variables such as frequency and percentages for the categorical variables and the Pearson's Chi-square test for comparisons. Results: Results of the study showed inadequate awareness among nurses on hospital-acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients. It was also determined that there were the statistically significant differences in term of education levels and experiences of nurses with different items on hospital-acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients. Conclusions: Based on the results of the study, implementations of comprehensive, systematic, and continuous educational programs to enhance awareness of the nurses on health care-associated infections was recommended.