Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Occupational Safety Among Cleaning Workers in Two Major Public Hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen

Sameer Ahmed Abdullah Alwaleede¹, Bashar Mohammed Saleh Bahram¹, Mohammed Tareq Yousef Khan¹, Rashad Ibrahim Yahya ma’aroof¹, Farooq Nabeel Mohammed Alsa’ar¹, Hamza Mansour Ali Al-Thibini¹, Hamza Mohammad Mohammad Zohid¹, Qaid Salah Ahmed Saleh Alhomidi¹, Mohammed Salem Ahmed Al-Malahi¹, Adel Abdullah Omar Zaid¹, Labiba Anam²

Keywords: Occupational safety, hospital cleaners, knowledge-attitudes-practices, needlestickinjuries, personal protective equipment, conflict-affected healthcare, Yemen

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v5i2.0469

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v5i2.0469

Publish Date: 06-08-2026

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Pages: 381 - 389

Downloads: 2

Citation: 0

Author Affiliation:

1 Medical Student, Emirate International University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a, Yemen
2 Professor, Community Medicine Department, Emirate International University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Hospital cleaning workers face disproportionate occupational hazards yet remain marginalized within healthcare systems. In conflict-affected Yemen, healthcare infrastructure degradation creates uniquely challenging conditions for occupational safety and health (OSH), with scarce data on this vulnerable workforce. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding occupational safety and identify associated factors among cleaning workers in two major public hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2025. Using stratified random sampling, 306 cleaning workers completed a structured 43-item Arabic questionnaire. Knowledge (12 items, ≥7 good), attitudes (7 items, ≥15 positive), and practices (8 items, ≥19 safe) were assessed. Bivariate analysis examined associations between variables and KAP levels.

Results: The response rate was 87.4%. Participants were predominantly male (90.5%) with primary education (65.4%). Good knowledge was observed in 65.4%, positive attitudes in 61.4%, and safe practices in 75.2%. However, only 52.9% knew correct exposure reporting procedures, and 32.4% did not believe occupational safety was important. Critically, 100% reported receiving no OSH training in the preceding year, and 23.5% had experienced needlestick injuries. Education was significantly associated with knowledge (P = 0.004). Hospital setting (P = 0.001), experience >5 years (P = 0.022), and injury history (P = 0.015) were significantly associated with practice levels. Injured workers reported lower safe practice rates (62.5% vs. 79.1%).

Conclusions: Despite moderate knowledge and positive attitudes, high needlestick injury rates and complete absence of formal training reveal a dangerous gap between understanding and practice. Education and experience are protective factors, yet systemic barriers undermine safety. Urgent implementation of structured training, consistent personal protective equipment provision, and non-punitive reporting systems is essential to protect this workforce.

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