Table 2 Healthcare workers knowledge regarding standard precautions in healthcare facilities of Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017 (n = 742)

All patients, healthcare workers and communities in healthcare facilities are at risk of health care related infection

582

78.4

Standard precautions should be applied to all patients regardless of their infectious status

621

83.7

Adhering standard precautions protect HCWs getting infected from patients

635

85.6

Adhering standard precautions protect patients getting infected from HCWs

530

71.4

Adhering standard precautions prevent mutual transfer of infection among patients

518

69.8

Adhering standard precautions protect HCWs while handling infectious waste

685

92.3

Adhering standard precautions protect HCWs while handling sharp waste

611

82.3

All patients/clients are potentially infectious irrespective of their diagnostic status?

525

70.8

Gloves should always be worn when have contact with any other body fluids except sweat?

529

71.3

Gown should always be worn during activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions.

547

73.7

A face mask, face shield, and/or goggles should be used if splashing of blood or body fluids might occur.

563

75.9