An assessment of awareness and practices towards standard precautions among staff nurses at a tertiary care hospital in South Karnataka: A cross sectional study

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Original Article

Author Details : L. Bhageerathi, Trupti B. Naik*

Volume : 6, Issue : 2, Year : 2019

Article Page : 158-161

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijmr.2019.034

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Abstract

Introduction: Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are defined as infections occurring in patients admitted in hospital or any other health care facility in whom the infection was neither present nor incubating at the time of admission. They also include infections acquired in the hospital but appearing after discharge and also infections occurring among health care staff of the facility. In all health care settings nurses being significant contributors of care, their knowledge and practices play an important role in the control /prevention of HAIs.
Objective: To estimate the level of awareness and practices towards standard precautions among staff nurses in the study setting.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a hospital based descriptive study conducted at Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Chamarajanagar, from Jan 2017 to March 2017. A total of 40 staff nurses were selected by simple random sampling and pretested and semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007.
Results: Majority i.e 35 (87.5%) were aware of Infection control committee (ICC) and Central supply and sterilisation department (CSSD) and > 90% knew segregation and disposal as per BMW rules. Majority i.e. 38 (95%) of staff nurses washed their hands before and after handling patients and used personal protective measures. More than half i.e. 23 (57.5%) of study participants had a history of needle stick injury, while only 19 (82.60%) among them reported and took treatment. Hepatitis B vaccination was taken by 24 (60%) of staff nurses.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates satisfactory level of knowledge and practices towards standard precaution in the study setting and also finds many areas where educational interventions are necessary.

Keywords: Awareness, Nurses, Practices, Standard precautions.

How to cite : Bhageerathi L, Naik T B, An assessment of awareness and practices towards standard precautions among staff nurses at a tertiary care hospital in South Karnataka: A cross sectional study. Indian J Microbiol Res 2019;6(2):158-161

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