Knowledge and practice of healthcare workers regarding universal precautions at a tertiary care level teaching hospital in Punjab Kaur Mandeep1,*, Rawat H.C.2, Kaur Prabhjot3 1Lecturer, College of Nursing, DMC & Hospital, Ludhiana 2Professor cum Vice-Principal, University College of Nursing, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot 3Professor cum Vice Principal, State Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Badal *Address for Correspondence: Mandeep Kaur Lecturer, College of Nursing, DMC & Hospital, Ludhiana. e-mail: chahalmandeep2011@yahoo.com Telephone number: 09872715539
Online published on 29 November, 2017. Abstract Introduction Health care workers (HCWs) play a vital role in development of a nation. Exposure to blood-borne pathogens poses a serious risk to them. Adequate knowledge and practice of universal precautions has shown to be effective to reduce risk of exposure to blood and body fluids. Objectives of study To assess the knowledge and practice of health care workers about universal precautions at a selected teaching hospital of Punjab. Material and Methods This cross sectional survey was conducted at G.G.S. Medical Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab on a group of 157 HCWs, including doctors and nurses, selected by convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about universal precautions along with an observational checklist to evaluate the practice. Results Present study revealed that 47.1% of HCWs had inadequate knowledge about universal precautions. Practice of universal precautions was found to be unsatisfactory among HCWs as compliance being even less than 50% in all the areas. Maximum (39.1%) compliance was with handwashing followed by proper disposal of sharps (30.3%). Recapping the used needles with the use of both hands was practiced by 94.4% health care workers. Knowledge & practice of universal precautions was not found to be associated with each other. Knowledge is significantly related to professional status and work experience of HCWs. Conclusion The knowledge and practice of HCWs about universal precautions is unsatisfactory. Provision for in-service education should be made to improve the existing scenario. Top Keywords Universal precautions, Knowledge, Practice, Health Care Workers. Top |