Knowledge, Compliance and Determinants of Use of Standard Precautions for Infection Control among Health Care Workers – A Teaching Hospital Based StudyKnowledge, Compliance and Determinants of Use of Standard Precautions for Infection Control among Hea

Abstract

Introduction: Standard Precautions, which are easily implementable and universally acceptable interventions, can help reduce the transmission of infections in the health care setting. However, knowledge and compliance with regard to Standard Precautions remains unsatisfactory. Materials and Method: This cross sectional study was conducted on 200 health care workers (HCWs) at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad. A self-administered structured questionnaire with specific subsections to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of Standard Precautions was used for data collection. Regression analysis was used to analyze the relation between knowledge, attitude and compliance. Chi Square test was used to determine relation between various determinants and the knowledge and practice of Standard Precautions. Results: Mean knowledge, attitude and compliance scores among HCWs were 11.47 + 4.16, 7.09 + 1.46 and 10.72 + 2.57 respectively. A moderately positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.421, p<0.001). Mean knowledge scores were higher for females, higher professional posts, those with previous Hepatitis B immunization and those with history of recent occupational exposure. Compliance scores were higher for females, for those with more professional post and in those with history of recent needle stick injury. A significantly greater number of females (p=0.02), trained HCWs (p=0.003), doctors & nurses (p=0.003), Hepatitis B immunised personnel (p=0.003) and those with history of recent occupational exposure (p<0.001) within the past 1 year had satisfactory knowledge scores. Similarly, significantly more number of female HCWs (p=0.004), nurses (p=0.001), experienced HCWs (p=0.01), and those with history of recent needle prick injury (p=0.04) achieved satisfactory compliance scores. Conclusion: The knowledge and compliance of Standard Precautions is generally poor. Pre- induction and periodic in- house training in Standard Precautions should be mandatory for all health care workers along with compulsory Hepatitis B immunization to reduce the risk of occupational exposure in the health care setting.