Abstract

Introduction :Universal precautions as defined by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is “a set of precautions or actions designed to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and other body fluids, blood borne pathogens when providing health care to a patient”. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of nurses on infection control measures in the selected health facilities of Delhi and identify the factors affecting their adoption of the practices.
 Methodology: This was a cross-sectional mixed method study. Quantitative data was collected from 159 nurses working in selected public hospitals, using a pre tested structured questionnaire and qualitative data was collected from key stakeholders using in depth interview guide. For analysis Stata version 14.2 was used.
 Result: The adequate knowledge (>80 percent score) was found in 71.7 percent nurses. There were also a few (1.3 percent) nurses who had poor level of knowledge. The adequate level of practice (>80 percent score) was found in 72.9 percent of participants. There were also few nurses (1.3 percent) whose practice level was poor. Further linear regression was done to look for determinants of knowledge and practice. The likelihood of knowledge score was significantly more among those who have seen SOPs and have attended training on infection control measures. Practice score was significantly more among those who have more knowledge and have attended training. The major barriers reported were understaffing, patient over load, record keeping and data entry and sometimes non-availability of adequate resources.
 Conclusion: It was found in the present study that knowledge and practice of infection control among nurses was adequate but needs to be improved further to provide a completely safe working environment for the study population and prevent them from the risk of occupational hazard. The need for extensive trainings, adequate staff patient ratio and for making the resources available are suggested

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