A Study of Awareness of Antiseptics and Disinfectant Use Among Allied Health Sciences Students and Interns of A Tertiary Care Hospital

Authors

• Pooja M, Father Muller Medical College, MangaloreFollow
• Puneeth A, Father Muller Medical College, MangaloreFollow
• Sharmi NM, Father Muller Medical College, MangaloreFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6818-5455

Corresponding Author

Pooja. M

rpoojam@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:

Antiseptics and disinfectants are among the most vital tools in infection prevention and control (IPC), especially in healthcare settings where the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remains a significant concern. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of antiseptics and disinfectants among Allied Health Sciences (AHS) students and interns, identify knowledge gaps at different stages of training, and recommend educational interventions.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted among 1st to 3rd-year AHS students and interns at a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire via a Google form after obtaining approval from the IEC. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test for group comparisons, and the Kruskal–Wallis test with post-hoc analysis to evaluate differences across academic cohorts.

Results:

Among 286 participants, Group 2 (2nd, 3rd years, and interns) showed significantly higher scores (mean = 6.22 ± 1.32) compared to Group 1 (1st year; mean = 4.41 ± 1.70), p < 0.0001. The Kruskal–Wallis test (H = 70.91, p < 0.00001) indicated notable differences between cohorts. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated a clear progression in awareness, with interns scoring highest, followed by 3rd and 2nd years.

Conclusion:

The findings reveal a statistically significant enhancement in knowledge of antiseptic and disinfectant use with greater clinical exposure. The study emphasises the necessity for structured IPC training early in the curriculum to address foundational gaps and improve clinical safety practices.

Publication Date

3-2026

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Conflict of Interest

NIL

Keywords

Antiseptics & Disinfectants, Hospital-Acquired Infections, Infection Prevention Control, Medical Education, Clinical Training.

Word Count

2238

Recommended Citation

M P, A P, NM S. A Study of Awareness of Antiseptics and Disinfectant Use Among Allied Health Sciences Students and Interns of A Tertiary Care Hospital. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2026; 8(1): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1298

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.