Current Status and Factors Associated With Standard Precautions Compliance Among ICU Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to assess the compliance of ICU nurses to standard precautions and to identify factors associated with their compliance, thereby providing evidence to inform targeted interventions.

Design: This study employed a multicenter cross-sectional design.

Methods: From June to July 2025, a multicenter survey was conducted among 378 ICU nurses from five tertiary hospitals in China. Data were collected through the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale and the Perceived Organizational Support Scale. The results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. This study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

Results: The results showed that the overall compliance rate with standard precautions among ICU nurses in tertiary hospitals was 73.4%. Compliance correlated positively with perceived organizational support (r = 0.328, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that gender, occupational exposure within the past 6 months, and perceived organizational support were significantly associated with ICU nurses' compliance with standard precautions.

Conclusion: Compliance with standard precautions among ICU nurses in tertiary hospitals remains suboptimal and necessitates targeted improvement. Multifaceted strategies should be implemented to strengthen compliance, with particular emphasis on enhancing perceived organizational support.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurse managers should routinely assess organizational support perceptions, implement targeted training and psychological support for nurses with occupational exposure. A structured care bundle incorporating these elements may provide a practical framework for improving compliance and reducing healthcare-associated infections.

Reporting method: The authors have adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines-STROBE checklist for a cross-sectional study.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.