Association between excreta management and incidence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: role of healthcare workers' knowledge and practices.

Background: The spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) in healthcare environments has become a major public health threat in recent years.

Aim: To assess how healthcare workers (HCWs) manage excreta and the possible association with the incidence of ESBL-PE.

Methods: Eight hundred HCWs and 74 nurse-supervisors were questioned through two self-report questionnaires in order to assess their knowledge and practices, and to determine the equipment utilized for excreta management in 74 healthcare departments.