A Descriptive Study to assess the Knowledge and Practice of Nursing Officers working in COVID-restricted Areas of SKIMS, Soura regarding the Importance of PPE Kits

Abstract

Introduction: Personnel protection equipment is one of the most important requirements to care for any patient suffering from a communicable disease. These protect a nursing professional from diseases and patients from cross-infections. The main aim of the study was to gain information regarding the knowledge and practice level of nursing officers working in COVID-19-restricted areas of SKIMS, Soura about the importance of PPE kits. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted on nursing officers working in COVID-19-restricted areas of SKIMS, Soura. The non-probability purposive-convenience sampling was done and 80 nursing officers were included in the study. The tools were prepared as per the objectives in the form of a self-structured questionnaire and a checklist. Results:The study showed that 40% of study subjects belonged to the age group of greater than 35 years, 32.5% were in the age group of 31-35 years, and 27.5% of study subjects were in the age group of 25-30 years. 68% of nursing officers were females and 32.5% were males. 70% of the study subjects had BSc Nursing and 20% had GNM as their educational qualifications, and only 10% had done MSc Nursing. It was revealed in the study that 37.5% had more than 9 years of experience, followed by 27.5% of study subjects with 7-9 years of experience, 22.5% with 4-6 years of experience, and 12.5% with 1-3 years of experience. The study results revealed that 80% of subjects had good knowledge, 20% had average knowledge, and none had poor knowledge regarding PPE. Most of the study subjects (55%) had average practice, 25% had poor practice, and 20% had good practice regarding PPE. Conclusion: Majority of the study subjects had good knowledge but maximum number of study subjects had average practice regarding the importance of PPE.