Knowledge and Awareness of Instrument Sterilization Protocols among Healthcare Workers in the Operation Theatre
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Background: Effective decontamination, cleaning, disinfection, packaging, sterilization, storage, and monitoring of reusable surgical instruments are fundamental components of perioperative infection prevention. Healthcare workers involved in instrument handling require both theoretical knowledge and consistent application of sterilization protocols. Objective: To assess knowledge, awareness, self-reported practices, and factors associated with sterilization knowledge among healthcare workers working in operation theatres. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study included 76 healthcare workers from two hospitals in Lahore between January and June 2025. A structured questionnaire assessed demographics, sterilization knowledge, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, instrument handling, sterilization indicators, protocol availability, training, audit, and self-efficacy. Results: Mean age was 41.7±9.6 years and mean professional experience was 9.8±6.3 years. Good or excellent composite knowledge scores were present in 42/76 participants (55.3%, 95% CI 44.1–65.9%). Knowledge of safe handling of contaminated instruments was reported by 72.4%, standard autoclave parameters by 50.0%, Spaulding classification by 28.9%, and biological versus chemical indicators by 39.5%. Knowledge level was associated with education (p=.015), designation (p=.031), professional experience (ρ=.29, p=.011), and training attendance (p=.001). In multivariable analysis, greater experience and training attendance were associated with higher odds of good/excellent knowledge. Conclusion: Sterilization knowledge was heterogeneous, with particular gaps in instrument classification, sterilization monitoring, formal training, and audit. Structured training, accessible written protocols, and routine quality monitoring may strengthen sterilization practice in operation-theatre settings.
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