Abstract:

Background: Standard precautions (SPs) are considered essential in curtailing the menace of infections. Local data on the use of SPs by healthcare workers are almost non-existent. This study explored the nurses’ professional knowledge, perceptions and adherence to SPs at a local teaching hospital. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of the nurses on prevention and control of Hospital acquired infections in Morogoro Referral hospital in Morogoro Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of nurses (n = 156) working at Morogoro Referral Hospital (MRH) was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022, using a comprehensive questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude and practices towards SPs. Data was analyzed using computer statistical package for social sciences SPSS version were, tables and percentages were generated.

Results: The results of the study revealed that 63.5% (n=99) of the respondents were males whereas 36.5%(n=59) were females. The diploma nurses constituted 62.2% (n=97) while 29.5% (n=46); 7.7% (n=12) and 0.6% (n=1) of the respondents enrolled in certificate, undergraduate and post graduates with degree awards respectively. The majority of the nurses were diploma holders. Most of nurses 60.3% (n=88) had age group range of 25-35with most of nurses were registered nurses 46.8% (n=73). The majority the respondents had work experience of 5-10 years 48.1% (n=75). All respondents 100% (n=156) had a very good knowledge about hospital acquired infections.99.8% and 91.5% of the respondents were quite knowledgeable about organisms causing HAIs and potential infectious materials contributing to HAIs respectively. 62.8%(n=98) of nurses strongly agreed that every patient should be treated as if he/she carries blood borne infection.72.4% (n=113) and 63.5% (n=99) moderately perceived the risks of getting HAIs and transmitting the infectious disease respectively. All nurses 100% (n=156) adhered with disposal of sharp objects in safety boxes with 98.1 (n=153) never recap the needles after use. Findings also indicated use of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to be always practiced by less than half of respondents 46.2% (n=72) with 73.1% (n=114) of nurses always use gloves when doing hospital procedures and sterilization of equipment being practiced by 92.2 (n=145) by nurses interviewed. Association between variables was tested by Chi-Square statistic where association between knowledge, attitude, practices and socio-demographic factors such as age range, working experience, education background, religion and location at work were tested. P values of 0.025, 0.007, 0.028 an d0.037 respectively were less than the observed statistical value of 0.05 which signified difference in knowledge regarding Hospital Acquired Infections .Nurses with 25-35 years of age and Christians had positive attitude towards infection control measures with P values of 0.05 and 0.011 respectively. The P values of 0.027, 0.017, 0.028 and 0.009 signified the difference in age range, education background, working experience and religion of the respondents on practicing standards precautions towards HAIs.

Conclusion: Knowledge and practices on SPs were high with moderate attitudes towards its use among nurses,

Recommendations: Nurses should be given opportunities on routine and continuous health education on infection prevention and control in health-care facilities; more studies to cover a broad area to be performed as results from current study not a reflection of the situation in Tanzania hospitals.