Publication:

Knowledge and practices regarding standard precautions among health functionaries of peripheral health institutions of Haryana

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of infections due to blood-borne pathogens as they are potentially exposed to blood and body fluids in the course of their work. Standard precautions aim to both protect health care workers (HCWs) and prevent them from transmitting the infections to their patients.

Methods The study was conducted among health functionaries of all health centres whether govt. or private of community development block Beri, District Jhajjar, Haryana. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the study subjects and the responses were recorded by the investigator himself. The questionnaire included information pertaining to knowledge and compliance with standard precautions among HCWs.

Results Knowledge among staff nurses and laboratory technicians was having wide variations as 53% to 93% of them gave correct replies for different components of standard precautions. Similarly, when knowledge of multipurpose health workers was assessed only half or less than half of them were having correct knowledge for most of the components.

Conclusions To conclude, the HCWs in peripheral health institutes had inadequate knowledge of and poor compliance with SPs. Enhancement of the existing training and system for monitoring the appropriate use of personal protective equipment is need of the hour.