THE PRACTICE OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AMONG NURSES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The level of preventive measures against hospital-acquired infections depends on the practice of universal precautions by the nurses. This study aimed to assess the awareness of universal health precautions among nurses. Methods: It’s a cross-sectional study done among nursing staff in various specialties in a tertiary care hospital. Systematic random sampling was done and 200 nurses were tested with a study tool of a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 20 questions. Results: Out of 200 respondents 44.5% were aged 26-30 years, 88.5% were females, 66.5% were from urban and 86% had Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees. The practice was assessed and the mean score was 16.71 range (12-24). The maximum score was for ages 31-35 years, Male, Married, Urban, Master of Science in Nursing, Inpatients Nursing staff, Surgical departments, the experience of more than 5 years. Conclusion: This study concludes with clues that there are gaps in formal teaching for nursing students and practice. For the reduction of infection, we require repeated implementation and oversight of universal precaution measures along with formal teaching, and further research and intervention are needed.

Keywords

• NURSES
• TERTIARY CARE
• UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
• HOSPITAL