Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Universal Precautions among Health Care Workers in rural hospital Delhi.

Dr Gajanan C Soyam; Dr Gautam M Khakse

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2017

Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Universal Precautions among Health Care Workers in rural hospital Delhi.

Dr Gajanan C Soyam, Dr Gautam M Khakse

Abstract :

Background: Occupational transmission of blood borne pathogens has been emerged as a potentially significant hazard for health care workers (HCWs). There is a gap in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding universal precautions among health care workers. Having good knowledge, attitude and practices reduces the risk of transmission of blood borne pathogen to health care workers in hospital.Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices of health care workers regarding universal precautions in a rural hospital of Delhi.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for one year at a rural hospital in Delhi on 230 health care workers (HCWs). Structured pre–designed pretested, questionnaire were administered to randomly selected 155 HCWs of hospital. Data collected and analyzed by using SPSS–17. Ethical approval was taken from institutional ethical committee. Results: Out of 230 HCWs, 155 HCWs were selected randomly. Response rate was 67.4%. Majority of HCWs were in the age group of 30.3 years �5.6 (mean age �SD) Almost half (54.2%) of study population comprised of female. Most of them were nursing staff. Majority HCWs in this study took education up to senior secondary and they have respective professional qualification. Mean years of experience in service 4.8 � 3.7 (mean in �SD). Statistically significant numbers of HCWs took HBV vaccine and received training regarding universal precautions (p< 0.05). Almost all (95.4%) HCWs knew that HBV HCV & HIV can transmit through blood and body fluids and have very positive attitude. Practice of HCWs was poor as compare to knowledge and attitude.Conclusions: Nursing staff have best KAP among HCWs. Paramedics & group–D workers need frequent training. Nursing staff could be act as roll model for other HCWs.