Knowledge and practices regarding standard precuations for infection control among nurses working at a publica tertiary care hospital Islamabad, Pakistan
Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
To protect patients and healthcare providers from healthcare associated infections (FIAIs), standard precautions have been promoted universally. Nurses are the forefront force in patient care; therefore, evidence-based, and up to date knowledge and best practices can play a vital role in helping nurses apply standard precautions. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practices regarding standard precautions among nurses working at a public tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Methodology: The analytical cross-sectional study design was used. Through purposive sampling, the data was collected from 320 nurses, via, a self-administered questionnaire, over a period of one-month, between April and May 2017, from a public tertiary level hospital in Islamabad. The validity and reliability of each section was established thoroughly. For continuous variables, mean and standard deviation were computed, and frequencies with percentages were calculated for categorical variables. The Multiple linear regression technique was applied for inferential statistics, maintaining 95% CI for important associations. Result: Out of 320 participants, the mean age of the participants was 33.04 ± 6.65 years. More than half of the study participants (66.88%) were females' whereas 33.13% were male nurses. The mean knowledge and practice scores were 19.6 ±3.3 and 13.00± 5.23, respectively, with a maximum score of 24 and 25, correspondingly. The results showed that the knowledge of the participants was better as compared to practices, though, in general knowledge they were reported as relatively deficient. The need for continuing training sessions on SPs revealed a significant 0.66 (95% C.1; 1.07, 3.67) relationship with the knowledge score in the final model. Practices were found to be better with the supply of resources and handwashing facilities in the units. Similarly, the Hep B vaccinated nurses showed a positive impact of 1.49 (95% C.I; 0.07, 2.91) on the level of practices in multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge and practices among female nurses regarding standard precautions were inadequate. Availability of resources have shown a positive relationship with improved practices. The study findings highlighted the need to continue intensive teaching sessions and in-service trainings on standard precautions of infection control, using innovative approaches.
Recommended Citation
Yasmeen, S. (2017). Knowledge and practices regarding standard precuations for infection control among nurses working at a publica tertiary care hospital Islamabad, Pakistan (Unpublished doctoral thesis). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.