Nurses' Understanding and Attitude toward Standard Precautions at Mariere Memorial Central Hospital, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant threat to patient and staff safety, with a high incidence in Nigeria. Effective Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), particularly adherence to standard precautions, is crucial. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses toward standard precautions at Mariere Memorial Central Hospital in Ughelli, Delta State, and the influence of professional experience. The population for the study was 90 nurses, with a random sample size of 80. Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional design and guided by the Health Belief Model, a structured questionnaire was administered to the 80 nurses, but 72 of them completed and returned the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. Findings revealed that most nurses (54.3%) had a high level of knowledge of standard precautions, but attitudes were less positive, with 40% expressing a favorable view. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.449, p < 0.001), indicating that higher knowledge is associated with positive attitudes. Similarly, years of experience correlated positively with both knowledge (r = 0.572, p < 0.001) and attitude (r = 0.451, p < 0.001). In conclusion, while nurses have high knowledge, a gap exists between their knowledge and attitudes. The study recommends implementing continuous, interactive training programs to reinforce knowledge and foster positive attitudes, establishing mentorship programs with experienced nurses, and designing targeted interventions to improve negative attitudes. It was recommended that continuous training should be instituted in the hospital.