+1 (629)348-3199Adherence to universal precautions and its associated factors among nurses caring for critically ill patients in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
29th International Conference on Nursing Education and Research
December 05-06, 2019 | Dubai, UAE
Salima Abdallah Wibonela, Ally Mwanga, Columba Mbekenga, Fatina Bororo and Pedro Pallangyo
Jakaya Mrisho Cardiac Institute, Tanzania
Scientific Tracks Abstracts : J Intensive Crit Care Nurs
Abstract:
Background: Globally, Healthcare workers particularly those
working in critical care settings are at high risk of occupational
exposure to infections. Owing to the severe consequences
of blood-borne infections, surveillance systems to monitor
exposure to body fluids in health-care settings have been
established in the developed world. In contrast, such systems
are not available and consequently, exposure to body fluids is
rarely reported, documented and monitored in many African
countries.
Objective: We aimed to assess adherence to Universal
Precautions and its associated factors among nurses caring
for critically ill patients in Dar es Salaam.
Methodology: A quantitative cross sectional study was
conducted in Critical care settings of Muhimbili National
Hospital (MNH) and Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI)
among nurses. Data was collected through direct observation
and self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge, practice and
factors affecting adherence to Universal Precautions were
assessed. Continuous and categorical variables were compared
using the student T-test and chi-square analyses respectively.
Results: A total of 144 nurses were enrolled in this study.
All participants were assessed using questionnaire and
observation was conducted in only 42 (29.2%) of participants.
The mean age of the participants was 35.7 years and 84%
were females. 81(56.3%) of participants had attained a
diploma level of education. 55(38%) were found to have good
knowledge of universal precautions. 123(85.5%) reported
they always wash hands, however, just 28.9% of participants
were observed to wash hands before putting on gloves.
94.4% reported they always use gloves, 67.4% reported they
always wear a gown and 55.6% reported that they always
wear a mask. Regarding sharps management 135(93.8%)
reported good practice and among the observed participants
40/42(95.2%) demonstrated good sharps management
practice.
Conclusions: Adherence to Universal precautions amongst
nurses in Tanzania’s major hospital is variably poor. It is crucial
to establish surveillance systems to monitor exposure to body
fluids in this set-up.
Biography:
Salima Abdallah Wibonela is a working as a critical care nursing officer in cardiac ICU at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dar es salaam,Tanzania. She has experience in working in research institution, clinical practice, administration and teaching. 2013 to 2015 she attained knowledge and skills in research methodology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. She is now a researcher among other Tanzanian nurses through her on-going research activities.
E-mail: salmawibonela@gmail.com
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