Preliminary inquiry: Adherence to universal precaution methods among healthcare providers in a government hospital in Odisha, India
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Abstract
Background Risk of infections associated with health care facilities have long been known. However, occupationally-acquired infections are still a significant problem for health care personnel (HCP). The aim of this study was to make a situational assessment of universal precaution (UP) adoption and to identify factors influencing compliance.
Methods A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 32 of 39 HCPs working in a sub-district hospital (SDH) at Nilgiri, Balasore Odisha. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge and practice, while a check list was used for observation of factors influencing compliance.
Results Over 90% of the study participants answered correctly on 12 of the 19 questions concerning knowledge and understanding of UPs, while questions regarding practice scored significant lower with 5 of 19 (p = 0.049). Prevalence of practices such as the use of protective glasses, surgical masks and use of gloves was found to be 38%, 31% and 50% respectively. Facility assessment and observations identified a lack of protective measures such as gloves in the laboratory and dressing rooms, chlorine or any other chemical disinfectants and a proper place for waste disposal as well as a lack of training in safety precautions.
Conclusion The knowledge, practice and attitudes of using UP were very low in this study, thus indicating a major need of nterventions to improve UP compliance.