Factors Influencing Standard Precaution Practices Among Nurses in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses are known to be at the frontline of risks and victims to occupational hazards within the healthcare system. These hazards include exposure to infections that may arise from injuries from sharps and contacts with body fluids. Standard precautions are taken to mitigate and minimize hazards in hospitals. This study assessed the factors influencing standard precaution practices among Nurses in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. Method and material: This study involved a descriptive cross-sectional study which was carried out among 305 nurses in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. A self-structured instrument was employed for this study and data were gathered from consented respondents. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and percentage. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 41.64±10.1 years and many (68.5%) had more than 10 years of work experience. The respondents had above average level of knowledge (24.69±2.16) and close to two-third (59.7%) had a positive attitude towards standard precaution practices. The most reported factors influencing the practice of standard precautions were non-availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (92.1%), lack of regular training on standard precautions (91.1%) and lack of good policy on standard precautions (81.5%). Conclusion: Majority of the respondents had above average level of knowledge and positive attitude towards standard precaution. There is a need for continued sensitization and monitoring of standard precaution practices by nurses to sustain the high level. Also, healthcare institutions should ensure the availability of PPE for standard precautions and regular in-service training of nurses on standard precaution practices.