Capacity And Needs Assessment Regarding Biosafety And Biosecurity Among Laboratory Technologists Of Public And Private Tertiary Care Hospitals In Peshawar: A Multi-Institutional Mixed Method Study.

Abstract

Biosafety means to prevent oneself from pathogens while biosecurity means to prevent the environment from pathogens in terms of its unauthorized access, theft or release. This study aims to determine the current level of biosecurity and biosafety and to identify gaps and challenges faced by laboratory technologists in implementing effective biosecurity and biosafety measures. A mixed method approach was employed which obtain a comprehensive understanding of biosafety and biosecurity capacity and needs of laboratory technologists. For Quantitative part about 180 lab technologist  of both public and private tertiary care hospital were surveyed using convenience sampling technique whereas for qualitative part semi-structured interviews was conducted through a purposive sampling techniques using an interview guide designed to explore their experiences and perspectives. Mostly participant’s exhibits good knowledge (76.11%), attitude (87.78%), and practices (92.22%), however it is not significantly associated with gender, hospital type, or research participation. One way anova shows statistically significant difference in the knowledge (F=4.720, p=0.010) and attitude (F=4.582, p=0.011) across educational groups while post-hoc analysis revealed diploma holder as lower scorer in comparison to the highest degrees particularly bachelor and masters. Practices remain the same for all educational groups (p=0.054). Spearman’s correlation shows stronger correlation between attitude and practices (r=0.664, p<0.01). Moreover bivariate analysis found significant association between knowledge and received relevant training (p = 0.000), safety association membership (p = 0.000), and consistent PPE availability (p = 0.013). Qualitative findings revealed gaps of infrequent and outdated training, inconsistent PPE availability, and limited managerial engagement in daily safety practices.  The knowledge, attitude, and practices among Laboratory technologists in Peshawar was strong, however certain gaps were found to be linked with educational level coupled with qualitative findings of weak institutional safety culture, limited resource availability and capricious training highlighting insufficient measures. Mandatory, continuing education targeted the lower qualified staff along with reliable personal protective equipment supply, and institutional commitments for proactive infrastructure can strengthening the institutional biosafety and biosecurity culture.