Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of standard Precautions among Selected Health care Workers in University of Port Hacourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State
Abstract
This research study centered on determining the knowledge, attitude, and practice of standard precautions among selected healthcare workers in the University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The specific objectives are to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, assess the level of awareness of standard precautions among healthcare workers, ascertain the attitude of healthcare workers in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State towards standard precautions, and determine the level of practice of standard precaution. Related literature reviewed. A descriptive survey design was employed in this study. Out of the 400 health workers, Taro Yamane's sample size determination gave a sample size of 200. A well-structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as means, and frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze all the objectives. ChiSquare was used to analyze the hypothesis posed to the study. The result revealed that there were more females (67.5%) who participated in the studies than their male counterparts (32.5%). The majority (42.0%) of the respondents were still within their mid-age of 30 – 39 years, followed by 26% who were within the age range of 40 – 49 years of age. Furthermore, the study showed that all participants (100%) had at one time or the other previous knowledge of standard precaution as a concept in the health system. However, their sources of information varied from formal training (65%), colleague/friend (26%) media (5.5), and other means (3.5%). Also, the respondents opined that every employer in the health system should as a matter of utmost importance make provision for training on standard precautions. They believed that standard precaution is helpful in the protection against health hazards in the workplace (= 3.40). Some (50%) thought that recap of the needle after use is a safe way to prevent needle injury and transmission of diseases. Safety measures agreed upon by the respondents 98% include disposal of needles and syringes immediately after use. Method of needle disposal in UPTH include the use of waste bin (50.5%) and enclose and burn (60%). The Chi-Square value (9.88) and p-value (p>0.05) means that we do not have sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant impact of knowledge of standard precaution on practice.
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Introduction
A set of guidelines aimed at protecting health care workers (HCWs) from blood-borne infections is known as universal precautions (1). The concept of "universal precautions" was first proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1987 to protect health care workers from exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended in 1996 that universal precautions be renamed standard precautions, which combine the major features of universal precautions and body substance isolation (BSI). The precautions apply to all body fluids, including blood, secretions, and excretions (except sweat), regardless of whether they contain visible blood, skin that is not intact, mucous membranes, or any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead), HIV, or hepatitis containing culture medium or other solutions. A successful Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) plan must be initiated and implemented in any healthcare facility before an evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of standard precautions by healthcare personnel can be conducted.
Conclusion
There has always been a problem with basic precautionary measures, particularly in the Nigerian system. Either there aren't enough safety measures in place, or the medical staff lack the self-control to always use them. This study was carried out to ascertain the level of knowledge, attitude, and standard precaution practice in UPTH. The evidence demonstrated that the medical staff was not at all ignorant of common safety measures. Most of them had formerly taken part in training that taught them the value of following SP standards in order to protect themselves or others. Some people were informed about it through a colleague, media outlet, etc.
While principles of standard precaution should be strictly adhered by surgeons and physicians for their own safety as well as setting leadership roles for their residents, nurses, success in the implementation of SP guidelines depends on so factors such as optimal awareness and a positive attitude in all health care staffs, these goals are not reached without qualified employee receiving continuing education. This study revealed that the health care workers in UPTH has positive attitude towards standard precaution. Bodily fluid or blood spillage were being cleaned immediately they occur with disinfectants to avoid possible infectious contamination. Use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and face masks, and injection safety were some of the safety measures taken by respondents.
Frequent cleaning with antiseptic is been practiced in the hospital. Soap and water were been used for hand hygiene, sometimes chlorine bleach is used to disinfect contaminated surfaces. Even though some healthcare professionals are unawares that recapping needle can be injurious, however needle and syringe were being exposed immediately after use. Method of disposal include use of waste bin, incinerator burning and burying in the ground. In all, all the objective set out for this work were realized.