PREVALENCE AND FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ANATOMICAL SITE ERRORS IN ANTI-RABIES VACCINE ADMINISTRATION AMONG NURSES AT SAIDU TEACHING HOSPITAL SWAT.

Abstract

Introduction:

Correct administration of anti-rabies vaccines is essential for ensuring their efficacy and preventing potential complications. Despite the existence of established guidelines, errors in vaccine administration, particularly anatomical site errors, remain a significant challenge in clinical practice. These errors may lead to reduced vaccine effectiveness and pose risks to patient safety. This study explores the prevalence of these errors among nurses at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat, and identifies factors contributing to their occurrence, providing insight into areas for intervention and improvement.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anatomical site errors in anti-rabies vaccine administration among nurses at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat, and to identify factors contributing to these errors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses involved in anti-rabies vaccine administration. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing error prevalence and exploring potential contributing factors, including knowledge, training, workload, and adherence to standard guidelines. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to interpret the findings.

Results:

The prevalence of incorrect anatomical site administration was 33.2% (61 out of 184 nurses).

Key contributing factors included:

Lack of specific training on anti-rabies vaccine administration: (176/184 nurses) 95.5% (Exp(B) = 22.71, p < 0.001)

Fatigue or stress: (118/184 nurses) 63.9% (Exp(B) = 1.71, p = 0.019)

Workload impact: (168/184 nurses) 91.1% (Exp(B) = 11.13, p < 0.001)

Actions taken after witnessing an error: (6/184 nurses) 3.3% (Exp(B) = 0.033, p = 0.023)

Comfort in reporting errors to supervisors: (14/184 nurses) 7.7% (Exp(B) = 0.077, p = 0.0015)

No significant associations were observed for:

Gender: 0% (p = 0.640)

Age group: 0% (p = 0.669)

Nursing education level: 0% (p = 0.902)

Patient encounters requiring anti-rabies vaccination: 0% (p = 0.522)

No significant associations were observed for gender, age group, nursing education level, or patient encounters requiring anti-rabies vaccination.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced training programs, periodic refresher courses, and strict adherence to guidelines to minimize anatomical site errors in anti-rabies vaccine administration. Addressing these issues can significantly improve patient safety and the efficacy of post-exposure prophylaxis,