THE PRACTICE OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AMONG NURSES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The level of preventive measures against hospital-acquired infections depends on the

practice of universal precautions by the nurses. This study aimed to assess the awareness of universal

health precautions among nurses. Methods: It’s a cross-sectional study done among nursing staff in

various specialties in a tertiary care hospital. Systematic random sampling was done and 200 nurses

were tested with a study tool of a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 20 questions. Results:

Out of 200 respondents 44.5% were aged 26-30 years, 88.5% were females, 66.5% were from urban

and 86% had Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees. The practice was assessed and the mean score

was 16.71 range (12-24). The maximum score was for ages 31-35 years, Male, Married, Urban, Master

of Science in Nursing, Inpatients Nursing staff, Surgical departments, the experience of more than 5

years. Conclusion: This study concludes with clues that there are gaps in formal teaching for nursing

students and practice. For the reduction of infection, we require repeated implementation and oversight

of universal precaution measures along with formal teaching, and further research and intervention are

needed.