Compliance with standard precaution of infection prevention practice and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia: Mixed method study

Abstract

Backgrounds and Aims

In developing countries, most infections can be prevented with relatively inexpensive infection prevention methods. However, there is limited information on standard precautions for infection prevention practices among health workers in Ethiopia Therefore, this study aimed to assess the compliance with the standard precaution of infection prevention practice and associated factors among health care workers (HCWs) using a mixed method study.

Methods

A hospital‐based mixed‐methods study design (concurrent mixed method design) was conducted among 378 randomly selected health professionals. Self‐administered questionnaire; an in‐depth interview and an observational checklist were used to collect the data. The collected data were cleaned and entered into Epi data and analyzed using a static package for social science. Descriptive statistics were conducted and the result was reported using frequency, and percentile. Logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p < 0.05 were used to explain statistically significant associations.

Results

The proportion of standard precaution practice among HCWs at Dessie specialized and comprehensive hospital was 55.6% (put the 95% CI). Age ≤ 25 years (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: [0.04, 0.42]) and age 31 years above age ≤ 31 years (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.3]), positive attitude toward the standard precaution (AOR: 6.43, 95% CI: [3.47, 11.94]). Access to IP guidelines (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI: [1.61, 6.07]). Training on standard precautions (AOR: 3.61, 95% CI: [1.75, 7.48]) were factors associated with standard precaution practice.

Conclusions

In this study, the overall proportion of HCWs' compliance with standard preventive practice was low. HCWs aged 31 years and above, training on standard precaution practice, availability of guidelines in each ward, attitude toward standard precaution practice, knowledge about standard precaution practice, and accessibility of standard precaution supplies were associated with compliance to standard precaution practice. Therefore, the strategies should be designed to fulfill hospitals with supplies, training, and avail guidelines in each ward.