Knowledge and practice of standard precautions in public health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Health care Workers (HcWs) are at risk of exposure to infections during the course of carrying out their duties. the practice of standard precautions among healthcare workers (HcWs) in public health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria was evaluated. A cross-sectional survey of 277 HcWs was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Of 277 participants, 83 (29.96%) were doctors; 194 (70.04%) were nurses. Median age (in years) of doctors was 34 (IQr: 30, 39), while nurses was 39 (IQr: 33, 45). Median years of experience for doctors was 7 (IQr: 4, 10) while nurses was 15 (IQr: 9, 20). Only 16.61% of participants had knowledge of the basic concept of standard precautions and 42.24% knew potential sources of occupational exposure. the association between the knowledge of the potential sources of occupational exposures and profession was significant (p=0.011). Hand washing was practiced by 97.46%; 97.83% reported regular use of hand gloves; 88.44% use gown or plastic apron; 68.95% use masks and eye protector. the major factor reported for non-adherence was non-availability of the materials. Practice of recapping used needle was more common among doctors than nurses (p=0.01). The HCWs hepatitis-B vaccination status was poor; 32.53% of doctors and 28.87% of nurses had ≥1 dose of hepatitis-B vaccine. The difference in hepatitis-B immunization status of doctors and nurses was not significant (p=0.556).