Barriers to the Prevention and Control of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Public Hospitals: A Qualitative Study of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Iran Publisher



N Rezaee NASRIN ; M Sartipi MAJID ; M Jahantigh MOJDEH ; S Pezaro SALLY ; M Mardanihamooleh MARJAN
Source: BMC Nursing Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a recognized global concern within the hospital setting, particularly in low-income settings. This study aimed to examine Iranian nurses’ insights into the barriers hindering effective prevention and control of HAIs within the hospital setting. Methods: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach. Semi-structured and individual interviews with nurses (n = 25) were undertaken. Nurses were recruited from five public hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, located in Sistan and Baluchistan province in southeastern Iran. This region was chosen due to its geographic isolation from other major urban centers or medical hubs within Iran. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. All interviews were conducted during the final four months of 2024. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Conventional content analysis was used to make sense of the data collected. Results: Barriers in preventing and controlling HAIs were categorized into two primary themes: (1) the provision of substandard and poor-quality care and (2) defective professional and organizational infrastructures. Factors contributing to suboptimal care included heavy workloads caused by staff shortages, fatigue resulting from intensive caregiving demands, the presence of unskilled or negligent nursing staff, and insufficient knowledge of infection prevention and control principles. Moreover, the inadequacy of professional and organizational infrastructures was evident through a lack of effective teamwork and limited support from hospital management. Conclusion: The findings presented in relation to the barriers to the prevention and control of HAIs provides useful evidence for policymakers, healthcare authorities, and hospital administrators to take appropriate action. Addressing staff shortages and promoting leadership engagement in resource-limited provinces along with educational strategies, the enhancement of workplace cultures and the recruitment of effective staff and leaders will be crucial in this pursuit. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.