The knowledge and practice of standard precautions among health care workers in public secondary health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Standard precautions are a set of guidelines that aim to protect health care workers from infections from blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions except sweat, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes while providing care to patients. However, compliance to the standard precautions is often low in low-income countries in spite of the greater risk of infection. This study examined the knowledge and practice of standard precautions among health care workers in public secondary health facilities in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted with 83 doctors and 194 nurses using a structured questionnaire. Findings show suboptimal knowledge and practice of the standard precautions among the health care workers. Knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV was low as well as hepatitis B immunization among the respondents. A lack or irregular supply of essential materials, such as personal protective equipment, was the main reason the respondents did not comply to the precautions. This report recommends the development and implementation of a comprehensive infection prevention and control program in health facilities in order to ensure compliance to the standard precautions by health care workers.