Investigating the Effective Factors of Using Personal Protective Equipment from the Perspective of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Razieh Mokhtari,Siamak Moayedi,Davood Hekmatpou,Mohamad Golitaleb,Ali Sahebi,Ali Safdari,Mercedes Torres

doi:10.3390/ijerph18157882

Abstract

Considering the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing COVID-19 transmission, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the use of PPE from the perspective of the nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed 240 nurses working in the central COVID-19 hospitals of Arak, Iran. Nurses were enrolled in the study by a convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent sample t-test. Environmental (4.24 ± 0.45), personal (4.16 ± 0.42), and organizational (4.04 ± 0.50) factors all contribute significantly to nursing attitudes about PPE use (p < 0.05). The average score, combining all identified factors, was 4.15 ± 0.31. The most influential factor contributing to appropriate use of PPE was environmental, while the least impactful parameters were related to rules and regulations. Environmental factors have the greatest impact on the use of PPE from the perspective of the nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. Managers and healthcare organizations should provide appropriate and adequate PPE to nurses, educate them on proper use, and monitor the process to resolve barriers.

Highlights

The Association of Infection Control and Epidemiology Specialists supports measures to prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus from patients to healthcare workers (HCWs) [1,2]
The study population consisted of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in the hospitals affiliated with Arak University of Medical
HCWs are at the frontline of fighting COVID-19 and should use protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves against the disease

Summary

Introduction

The Association of Infection Control and Epidemiology Specialists supports measures to prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus from patients to healthcare workers (HCWs) [1,2]. A study conducted in China showed that approximately one-third of those infected with COVID-19 were HCWs [4]. In Italy, 10% of healthcare providers contracted the virus, 3% of whom died [1]. This highlights the importance of providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for HCWs in order to prevent transmission in the healthcare environment [5,6]. Nurses are an essential component of the frontline team caring for COVID-19 patients

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Conclusion