Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the attitude of workers toward infection control at care facilities for the elderly. We used data obtained from a self-reported questionnaire. A package, including the questionnaire and an addressed return envelope, was mailed to 56 special nursing homes and health service facilities in Yamaguchi Prefecture between October and November 2007. Of 1663 workers, 1323 from 42 facilities completed and returned the questionnaire (response rate, 79.6%). We found that 72.3% of the subjects had a positive attitude toward the prevention of infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the following parameters as variables : the level of positive attitude toward the prevention of infection (dependent variable) and personal factors such as basic characteristics, education, knowledge, and attitudes. We found that the factor promoting a positive attitude toward the prevention of infection was "I think there is some possibility of the source of infection" (OR:2.06). An important factor is that workers felt that on some occasions, they may act as the source of infection. We concluded that it is important for health care workers to be considerate toward the other persons.
