KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AMONG NURSES WORKING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Standard precautions are fundamental infection prevention measures that reduce the transmission of microorganisms in healthcare settings. Nurses play a key role in implementing these practices and ensuring patient safety.

Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding standard precautions in tertiary care hospitals.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 registered nurses working in tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, the Knowledge of Standard Precautions Scale (KSPS), and the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: Most participants were female (55.8%) and aged 18-27 years (48.7%). Overall, 62.9% of nurses demonstrated good-to-excellent knowledge of standard precautions, with a mean knowledge score of 15.13 ± 4.87. Satisfactory practice was observed among 58.4% of participants, with a mean practice score of 3.12 ± 0.76. Educational qualification was significantly associated with knowledge level (p = 0.041). A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice (r = 0.36, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated moderate-to-good knowledge and satisfactory practice regarding standard precautions. Higher educational attainment was associated with better knowledge, and improved knowledge was linked to better compliance. Continuous education and infection prevention training are recommended to strengthen adherence to standard precautions