Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate changes in knowledge, attitudes, and situational handling skills related to standard precautions (SPs) among nursing students before and after completing an infection prevention and control (IPC) course, and to examine the relationships among these factors. Methods: A one-group quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was conducted with 115 second-year nursing students at the University of Health Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The pretest was administered during the first week of the IPC course, and the posttest was conducted three months after course completion. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that include demographic characteristics and items measuring knowledge, attitudes, and situational handling skills related to SPs. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to compare pre–post changes and assess correlations. Results: Knowledge and situational handling skill scores significantly increased after the course (p < 0.001), whereas attitude scores showed no significant change (p > 0.05). No significant correlations were found between knowledge and skills (r = 0.093; p = 0.321) or between knowledge and attitudes (r = – 0.103; p = 0.272). A weak positive correlation was observed between attitudes and situational handling skills (r = 0.184; p < 0.05). Several items related to exposure management and preventive measures remained incorrectly answered at relatively high rates (>30%) after the intervention, indicating persistent gaps in understanding. Conclusion: The IPC course improved nursing students’ knowledge and situational handling skills regarding SPs, but did not significantly influence attitudes. Strengthening the curriculum through enhanced clinical simulation, repeated practice, and emphasis on exposure management and preventive measures is recommended to build and sustain competency in SPs.