Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Infection Control among Medical Laboratory Technologists in Faisalabad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Infection control is a critical component of laboratory safety, particularly for medical laboratory technologists who are routinely exposed to blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious specimens. Inadequate knowledge, unfavourable attitudes, and poor infection control practices can increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections and occupational exposure among laboratory personnel. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding infection control among medical laboratory technologists working in tertiary care hospitals in Faisalabad. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a six-month period among 240 medical laboratory technologists employed in public and private tertiary care hospitals and diagnostic laboratories in Faisalabad. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing infection control–related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Adequate knowledge regarding infection control was observed in 71.3% of participants (95% CI: 65.6–77.0), while 68.8% demonstrated positive attitudes (95% CI: 62.9–74.7). Good infection control practices were reported by 64.6% of participants (95% CI: 58.6–70.6). Female technologists showed significantly higher odds of adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices compared with males. Adequate knowledge was significantly associated with good infection control practices (OR = 2.43, p = 0.001). Gaps were particularly noted in biomedical waste segregation and reporting of needle-stick injuries. Conclusion: Although medical laboratory technologists in Faisalabad generally demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and positive attitudes toward infection control, deficiencies in practice persist. Strengthening continuous training, institutional support, and monitoring systems is essential to improve infection control compliance and laboratory safety.