ASSESSMENT AND PRACTICE CONCERNING STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PATIENT BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS PESHAWAR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1299Keywords:
Standard precautions, Healthcare workers, Needlestick injuries, Blood and body fluid exposureAbstract
Background: Healthcare workers are at increased risk of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids through needlestick injuries and contact with contaminated sharp objects, potentially leading to transmission of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Adherence to standard precautions is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding standard precautions against blood and body fluid exposure among healthcare workers in the Accident and Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 healthcare workers in the Accident and Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: Nurses constituted the largest professional group (58.3%), followed by paramedics (30.1%) and physicians (11.7%). Most participants demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes toward standard precautions, with high compliance with hand hygiene practices (87.4%). However, occupational exposures remained common, with 74.8% reporting exposure to blood or body fluids and 48.5% reporting needlestick injuries. Complete hepatitis B vaccination coverage was observed in 51.5% of participants, while 65.0% reported occupational exposure incidents.
Conclusion: Although healthcare workers demonstrated adequate knowledge and compliance with standard precautions, occupational exposures and incomplete hepatitis B vaccination coverage remain significant concerns. Strengthening infection control training, vaccination programs, and exposure reporting systems is essential to enhance workplace safety.
