Knowledge and practice of universal precautions among nursing students at a teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Health care Personnel are at higher risk to acquire blood born infections especially nurses who are in continuous contact with the patient during their routine work in health care settings. Needle stick injuries are more frequently occurred among nursing staff and students during their regular works due to improper knowledge about precautions. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) nursing students of Mamata Nursing College, Khammam. A 22 item multiple choice close ended questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and practice of universal precautions among nursing students. The data was analyzed using percentage and t- test. Results: Among the 228 respondents, 75% of them thought that the used needles can be recapped after giving an injection. About 65% of the students thought that the universal precautions are not necessary in situations that might lead to contact with saliva. There was indeed a lack of knowledge regarding universal precautions and their self reported practice. Conclusion: The study on nursing students revealed that they have inadequate knowledge and improper practice of universal precautions. Hence further knowledge on universal precautions should be improved by conducting continuous educational interventional programmes in their regular curriculum.

Keywords

• knowledge
• nursing students
• practice and universal precautions.