INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of health care workers (HCWs) towards universal precautions (UPs) and to look into any associations between knowledge and practice. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was undertaken between August and October 2012, involving 300 HCWs from four national public hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. A self-administered questionnaire assessing the knowledge and practice of UPs was used. RESULTS: Among the 300 respondents, the mean knowledge score was 5.2 with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.5. On the practice score, the mean was 8.7 (SD = 2.2). A total of 90.6% and 70.8% of HCWs believed that UPs were necessary in contact with urine/feces and tears, respectively, although UPs are not necessary in these cases. On the other hand, 57.8% reported that they always recapped the needle after giving an injection, and 31.8% did not always change gloves in between patients. There were no associations between the knowledge and self-reported practice of UPs. CONCLUSIONS: The HCWs in Kabul had inadequate knowledge and poor practice of UPs. Training for HCWs is needed to encourage them to adhere to practice based on improved knowledge.
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of health care workers (HCWs) towards universal precautions (UPs) and to look into any associations between knowledge and practice. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was undertaken between August and October 2012, involving 300 HCWs from four national public hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. A self-administered questionnaire assessing the knowledge and practice of UPs was used. RESULTS: Among the 300 respondents, the mean knowledge score was 5.2 with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.5. On the practice score, the mean was 8.7 (SD = 2.2). A total of 90.6% and 70.8% of HCWs believed that UPs were necessary in contact with urine/feces and tears, respectively, although UPs are not necessary in these cases. On the other hand, 57.8% reported that they always recapped the needle after giving an injection, and 31.8% did not always change gloves in between patients. There were no associations between the knowledge and self-reported practice of UPs. CONCLUSIONS: The HCWs in Kabul had inadequate knowledge and poor practice of UPs. Training for HCWs is needed to encourage them to adhere to practice based on improved knowledge.
Authors: Tolulope O Afolaranmi; Zuwaira I Hassan; Obadiah S Pam; Lotanna M Ugwu; Temidayo I Oyegoke; Kayode K Bello; Chundung A Miner; Gabriel O Ogbeyi Journal: J Med Trop Date: 2021-04-28
Authors: Kristina Dukic; Matea Zoric; Petra Pozaic; Jelena Starcic; Marija Culjak; Andrea Saracevic; Marijana Miler Journal: Biochem Med (Zagreb) Date: 2015-10-15 Impact factor: 2.313
Authors: Nasim B Khan; Chenay R Charles; Naedene Naidoo; Amanda Nokubonga; Ndabenhle A Mkhwanazi; Hella M T E Moustache Journal: S Afr J Commun Disord Date: 2019-12-02