Association of Knowledge and Attitudes with Compliance to Standard Operating Procedures for Infectious Material Handling Among Clinical Pathology Laboratory Personnel

Abstract

Compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling infectious materials is essential for preventing laboratory-acquired infections and ensuring occupational safety among laboratory personnel. Although knowledge and attitudes are commonly considered determinants of compliance, evidence regarding their influence on adherence to infectious material handling procedures remains inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of Clinical Pathology Laboratory personnel and compliance with SOPs for handling infectious materials at Buleleng District General Hospital. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving all Clinical Pathology Laboratory personnel (n = 31). Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing knowledge and attitudes, while SOP compliance was evaluated through direct observation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The findings revealed that 80.6% of respondents had good knowledge, 51.6% demonstrated positive attitudes, and 87.1% were compliant with infectious material handling SOPs. Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant association between knowledge and SOP compliance (p = 0.312) or between attitudes and SOP compliance (p = 0.269). These findings indicate that compliance with infectious material handling SOPs may be influenced more by situational and organizational factors, including workload, time constraints, work habits, availability of facilities and personal protective equipment, and supervisory practices, rather than by knowledge and attitudes alone. Strengthening organizational support and safety culture may therefore be necessary to improve SOP compliance in clinical laboratory settings.