Nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and standard precautions adherence and compliance: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Investigations about the interrelationships of nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and standard precautions (SP) adherence and compliance remain particularly scarce in the literature. Thus, we tested a model of the associations between nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and the factors influencing adherence and compliance with SPs utilizing the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design complying with STROBE guidelines. METHODS: Using convenience sampling, nurses (n = 730) from the Philippines were recruited. Data were collected between April and September 2022 using four validated self-report measures. Spearman Rho, mediation and path analyses, and SEM were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: Acceptable model fit indices were shown by the emerging model. The safety climate is positively associated with quality of care and factors influencing adherence to and compliance with SPs. Quality of care directly affected factors influencing adherence to SPs. The factors influencing adherence to SPs directly affected SP compliance. Quality of care mediated between safety climate and the factors influencing adherence to SPs. Factors influencing adherence to SPs mediated between safety climate, quality of care, and SP compliance. CONCLUSIONS: The study's variables are not distinct but overlapping nursing concepts that must be examined collectively. Nurse administrators can utilize the emerging model to formulate strategies and regulations for evaluating and enhancing nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and SP adherence and compliance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings may impact policymaking, organizational, and individual levels to improve nurses' clinical practice. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study had no patient contribution or public funding.

Lifting Universal Masking in Schools - Covid-19 Incidence among Students and Staff.

BACKGROUND: In February 2022, Massachusetts rescinded a statewide universal masking policy in public schools, and many Massachusetts school districts lifted masking requirements during the subsequent weeks. In the greater Boston area, only two school districts - the Boston and neighboring Chelsea districts - sustained masking requirements through June 2022. The staggered lifting of masking requirements provided an opportunity to examine the effect of universal masking policies on the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in schools. METHODS: We used a difference-in-differences analysis for staggered policy implementation to compare the incidence of Covid-19 among students and staff in school districts in the greater Boston area that lifted masking requirements with the incidence in districts that sustained masking requirements during the 2021-2022 school year. Characteristics of the school districts were also compared. RESULTS: Before the statewide masking policy was rescinded, trends in the incidence of Covid-19 were similar across school districts. During the 15 weeks after the statewide masking policy was rescinded, the lifting of masking requirements was associated with an additional 44.9 cases per 1000 students and staff (95% confidence interval, 32.6 to 57.1), which corresponded to an estimated 11,901 cases and to 29.4% of the cases in all districts during that time. Districts that chose to sustain masking requirements longer tended to have school buildings that were older and in worse condition and to have more students per classroom than districts that chose to lift masking requirements earlier. In addition, these districts had higher percentages of low-income students, students with disabilities, and students who were English-language learners, as well as higher percentages of Black and Latinx students and staff. Our results support universal masking as an important strategy for reducing Covid-19 incidence in schools and loss of in-person school days. As such, we believe that universal masking may be especially useful for mitigating effects of structural racism in schools, including potential deepening of educational inequities. CONCLUSIONS: Among school districts in the greater Boston area, the lifting of masking requirements was associated with an additional 44.9 Covid-19 cases per 1000 students and staff during the 15 weeks after the statewide masking policy was rescinded.

Adherence to Public Health Measures Mitigates the Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults: A Community-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases during the reopening period in older adults, given that little is known about the prevalence of COVID-19 after the stay-at-home order was lifted in the United States, nor the actual effects of adherence to recommended public health measures (RPHM) on the risk of COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a parent prospective cohort study, which followed a population-based sample of 2325 adults 50 years and older residing in southeast Minnesota to assess the incidence of viral infections. Participants were instructed to self-collect both nasal and oropharyngeal swabs, which were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) assay between May 8, 2020, and June, 30, 2020. We assessed the prevalence of COVID-19 cases and characteristics of study subjects. RESULTS: A total of 1505 eligible subjects participated in the study whose mean age was 68 years, with 885 (59%) women, 32 (2%) racial/ethnic minorities, and 906 (60%) with high-risk conditions for influenza. The prevalence of other Coronaviridae (human coronavirus [HCoV]-229E, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-OC43) during the 2019 to 2020 flu season was 109 (7%), and none tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Almost all participants reported adhering to the RPHM (1,488 [99%] for social distancing, 1,438 [96%] for wearing mask in a public space, 1,476 [98%] for hand hygiene, and 1,441 (96%) for staying home mostly). Eighty-six percent of participants resided in a single-family home. CONCLUSION: We did not identify SARS-COV-2 infection in our study cohort. The combination of participants' behavior in following the RPHM and their living environment may considerably mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

Universal Admission Screening for SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Hospitalized Patients, Switzerland, 2020.

Switzerland began a national lockdown on March 16, 2020, in response to the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We assessed the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients admitted to 4 hospitals in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, in April 2020. These 4 acute care hospitals screened 2,807 patients, including 2,278 (81.2%) who did not have symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Overall, 529 (18.8%) persons had >1 symptom of COVID-19, of whom 60 (11.3%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Eight asymptomatic persons (0.4%) also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Our findings indicate that screening on the basis of COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of clinical suspicion, can identify most SARS-CoV-2-positive persons in a low-prevalence setting.

Cumprimento às precauções-padrão por profissionais de enfermagem e fatores associados / Observancia de precauciones estándar por parte de profesionales de enfermería y factores asociados / Compliance with standard precautions by nursing professionals and related factors

Resumo Objetivo Verificar o cumprimento às Precauções-Padrão por profissionais de enfermagem e fatores associados. Método Estudo descritivo, transversal, com 522 profissionais de enfermagem, realizado em dois hospitais brasileiros, entre janeiro de 2017 a março de 2018. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um formulário contendo variáveis demográficas e profissionais e a Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (versão Português-Brasil); posteriormente, analisados por estatísticas descritivas e exploratórias e um modelo de regressão linear múltiplo. Resultados O escore médio global 12,9 (DP=2,5). Técnicos de enfermagem tiveram escores médios estatisticamente significativos maiores (p <0,01) do que enfermeiros. Houve diferença significativa quanto à categoria profissional (p <0,01) e escolaridade (p <0,01), e, marginalmente significativa em relação à idade (p = 0,06). Não houve diferenças quanto à experiência profissional (p = 077), participação em treinamentos (p = 0,79), tipo de hospital (p = 0,13), respectivamente. A escolaridade não contribuiu para um maior cumprimento às medidas (p <0,01), assim como o ensino superior (p ≤ 0,01). Conclusão e Implicações para a prática O aumento na escolaridade e experiência profissional não contribuiu para maior cumprimento às Precações. Por contemplar aspectos da prática de enfermagem, estratégias de prevenção de exposição ocupacional podem ser revistas e aperfeiçoadas.

Resumen Objetivo Verificar la observancia de las Precauciones Estándar por parte de profesionales de enfermería, y sus factores asociados. Método Estudio descriptivo, transversal, con 522 profesionales de enfermería, realizado en dos hospitales brasileños entre enero de 2017 y marzo de 2018. Datos recolectados mediante formulario incluyendo variables sociodemográficas y profesionales, y Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (versión Portugués-Brasil); analizados por estadística descriptiva y exploratoria y un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados Puntaje medio global de 12,9 (DS=2,5). Los auxiliares de enfermería obtuvieron puntajes promedio mayores, estadísticamente significantes (p<0,01) respecto de los enfermeros. Existió diferencia significante respecto de la categoría profesional (p<0,01) y la escolarización (p<0,01); y marginalmente significante en relación a la edad (p=0,06). No hubo diferencias relativas a la experiencia profesional (p=0,77), participación en capacitaciones (p=0,79) y tipos de hospital (p=0,13). La escolarización no contribuyó a una mayor observancia de las medidas (p<0,01), al igual que los estudios superiores (p≤0,01). Conclusión e Implicaciones para la práctica Mayores grados de escolarización y experiencia profesional no contribuyeron a la observancia de las Precauciones. En razón de contemplar aspectos de la práctica de enfermería, las estrategias de prevención y exposición profesional merecen ser revisadas y perfeccionadas.

Abstract Objective To verify compliance with the Standard Precautions by nursing professionals and associated factors. Method A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 522 nursing professionals, in two Brazilian hospitals, between January 2017 and March 2018. Data were collected using a form containing demographic and professional variables and the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (Portuguese-Brazilian version); later, analyzed by descriptive and exploratory statistics and a multiple linear regression model. Results The global mean score was 12.9 (SD = 2.5). Nursing professionals had statistically significant higher scores (p <0.01) than nurses. There was a significant difference in terms of professional category (p < 0.01)) and education (p <0.01), and marginally significant in relation to age (p = 0.06). There were no differences regarding professional experience (p = 077), participation in training (p = 0.79), and type of hospital (p = 0.13), respectively. Education did not contribute to greater compliance with the measures (p <0.01), nor did higher education (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion and implications for practice Increased education and professional experience did not contribute to greater compliance with the Standards Precautions. By considering aspects of nursing practice, occupational exposure prevention strategies can be reviewed and improved.

Prevalence and predictors of early COVID-19 behavioral intentions in the United States.

Despite early warnings and calls for action, COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb in many areas of the United States. The current study examined participants' reported likelihood of engaging in eight behaviors designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as critical for the prevention of COVID-19 at the outset of the epidemic. Self-efficacy, perceived threat, and internal and external health locus of control were explored as potential predictors of those behaviors. In addition, demographic and contextual factors, such as age, gender, political identity, and whether or not participants were currently living under a quarantine advisory, were recorded for analysis. Overall, participants reported high engagement with the prevention behaviors. Higher levels of self-efficacy, perceived severity of the illness, and external locus of control in regard to medical professionals were all positively associated with plans to take the recommended precautions. Based on the results, it appears that messaging regarding COVID-19 prevention may be particularly effective when it focuses on the high risk of the illness, the ease with which the prevention behaviors can be taken, and a reassurance that the medical establishment has individuals' best health in mind when it makes its specific recommendations. While numerous countries have succeeded in reducing the spread of COVID-19, the number of new cases in the United States remains high, even relative to other populations also heavily impacted by the disease [1]. Although it would be difficult to pinpoint a single cause or explanation for the epidemic's course in the USA, at the heart of its spread, like the spread of all infectious diseases, is noncompliance with preventative measures. The current research served as a preliminary exploration of the prevalence and predictors of eight COVID-19 prevention behaviors. A brief survey was sent out at the end of March 2020 to 350 U.S. residents in order to assess the likelihood of their engaging in various prevention behaviors recommended at that time and several related psychosocial factors. The psychological factors assessed included health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs, self-efficacy, and perceived threat. In addition, a handful of demographic and contextual factors, such as age, gender, political identity, and whether or not they were working outside the home or were currently living under a quarantine advisory, were recorded for examination.

Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Compliance with Precautionary Measures: Age and Sex Matter.

Effective management of the global pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (also known as COVID-19), resulted in the implementation of severe restrictions in movement and enforcement of social distancing measures. This study aimed to understand and characterize the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population and to identify risks and protective factors that predict changes in mental health status. In addition, the study investigated compliance with precautionary measures (PM) to halt the spread of the virus. The online anonymous survey collected information on sociodemographic data, compliance with PM, quality of life (QOL), and mental health via the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). A total of 1642 adult participants (71.6% women, 28.4% men) completed the survey in the European island country, Cyprus. A large percentage (48%) reported significant financial concerns and 66.7% significant changes in their QOL. About 41% reported symptoms associated with mild anxiety; 23.1% reported moderate-severe anxiety symptoms. Concerning depression, 48% reported mild and 9.2% moderate-severe depression symptoms. Women, younger age (18-29), student status, unemployment status, prior psychiatric history, and those reporting greater negative impact on their QOL, were at higher risk for increased anxiety and depression symptoms (p < 0.05). The youngest age group and males also reported lower levels of compliance with PM. Higher compliance with PM predicted lower depression scores (p < 0.001) but higher anxiety for measures related to personal hygiene. The results of this study provide important data on the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health and QOL and identify a variety of personal and social determinants that serve as risks and protective factors. Furthermore, it has implications for policy makers demonstrating the need for effective mental health programs and guidance for the implementation of PM as a public health strategy.

Nursing in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: protecting, saving, supporting and honouring nurses.

As the world tackles the largest public health event in more than a century, the COVID-19 pandemic, the true value of nursing is being seen by politicians and the public. But while nurses are being praised for the vital work they do, many are being put into high-risk situations, and some have died, because of a shortage of appropriate, high-quality personal protective equipment. The International Council of Nurses has called for governments to make the provision of such equipment their number one priority to prevent further loss of life among the nurses caring for the world's most vulnerable patients.

Association between individual, work-related and organizational factors and adherence to standard precautions.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between individual, work-related and organizational factors with adherence to standard precautions. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, carried out from January to June 2016 with 602 nursing workers from a university hospital. Ten Likert-type psychometric scales were used, with 57 items, organized in three domains: individual, work-related and organizational factors. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The adherence to the standard precautions obtained a mean intermediate score (4.30 ± 1.03) and a positive correlation with the Risk Personality Scales (r = 0.136, p <0.0001), Prevention Efficacy (r = 0.109 , p <0.0001), Obstacles to follow the precautions (r = 0.394, p <0.0001), PPE availability (r = 0.189 p <0.0001), Safety Climate (r = 0.325, p <0 , 0001) and Training on Prevention of Occupational Exposure (r = + 0.308, p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Adherence to standard precautions is associated with individual, work-related, and organizational factors.

Standard Precautions Among Emergency Medical Services in Urban and Rural Areas.

Backround: Emergency medical services (EMS) workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids through percutaneous injuries. This study aimed to assess the consistency with which standard precautions (SPs) among rural and urban EMS providers were used. Methods: This study consisted of a cross-sectional survey conducted with a sample of certified EMS providers in West Virginia in which we ascertained details about sociodemographic characteristics, and the frequency of consistent SP. An email invitation was sent to a comprehensive list of agencies obtained from the Office of West Virginia EMS. Findings: A total of 248 out of 522 (47%) EMS providers completed the survey. The majority of the EMS providers (76%) consistently complied with SPs; however, more than one third (38%) of urban EMS providers indicated inconsistent use compared with 19% of rural EMS providers (p = .002). Most EMS providers reported low prevention practices to exposure of blood and body fluids in both areas. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The results emphasize the need to enhanced safe work practices among EMS providers in both rural and urban areas through education and increasing self-awareness. Occupational health professional in municipalities that serve these workers are instrumental in ensuring these workers are trained and evaluated for their compliance with SPs while in the field.

Relationship among safety culture, nursing care, and Standard Precautions adherence.

Standard Precautions (SP) are an essential, although unmet, component of nursing care. Understanding conditions fostering the integration of SP within nursing workflow is imperative. This research describes the relationships among patient safety culture, adherence to SP, and missed nursing care.

Association between individual, work-related and organizational factors and adherence to standard precautions / Asociación entre factores individuales, laborales y organizacionales con la adherencia a las precauciones estándar / Associação entre fatores individuais, relativos ao trabalho e organizacionais com a adesão às precauções padrão

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between individual, work-related and organizational factors with adherence to standard precautions. Method: Cross-sectional study, carried out from January to June 2016 with 602 nursing workers from a university hospital. Ten Likert-type psychometric scales were used, with 57 items, organized in three domains: individual, work-related and organizational factors. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The adherence to the standard precautions obtained a mean intermediate score (4.30 ± 1.03) and a positive correlation with the Risk Personality Scales (r = 0.136, p <0.0001), Prevention Efficacy (r = 0.109 , p <0.0001), Obstacles to follow the precautions (r = 0.394, p <0.0001), PPE availability (r = 0.189 p <0.0001), Safety Climate (r = 0.325, p <0 , 0001) and Training on Prevention of Occupational Exposure (r = + 0.308, p <0.0001). Conclusion: Adherence to standard precautions is associated with individual, work-related, and organizational factors.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la asociación entre los factores individuales, relacionados con el trabajo y organizacionales con el cumplimiento de las precauciones estándar. Método: Estudio transversal, realizado de enero a junio de 2016 con 602 trabajadores de enfermería de un hospital universitario. Se utilizaron diez escalas psicométricas tipo Likert, con 57 ítems, organizados en tres dominios: individual, relacionado con el trabajo y factores organizativos. Los datos fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: La adherencia a las precauciones estándar obtuvo una puntuación media intermedia (4.30 ± 1.03) y una correlación positiva con las Escalas de Personalidad de Riesgo (r = 0.136, p <0.0001), Eficacia de la Prevención (r = 0.109) , p <0.0001), Obstáculos para seguir las precauciones (r = 0.394, p <0.0001), Disponibilidad de PPE (r = 0.189 p <0.0001), Clima de seguridad (r = 0.325, p <0 , 0001) y Capacitación en Prevención de la Exposición Ocupacional (r = + 0.308, p <0.0001). Conclusión: La adherencia a las precauciones estándar está asociada con factores individuales, relacionados con el trabajo y organizativos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre fatores individuais, relativos ao trabalho e organizacionais com adesão às precauções-padrão. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado de janeiro a junho de 2016 com 602 trabalhadores de enfermagem de um hospital universitário. Foram utilizadas 10 escalas psicométricas do tipo Likert, com 57 itens, organizadas em três domínios: fatores individuais, relativos ao trabalho e organizacionais. Os dados foram analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: A adesão às precauções-padrão obteve escore médio intermediário (4,30 ±1,03) e apresentou correlação positiva com as escalas de Personalidade de Risco (r=0,136, p < 0,0001), Eficácia da Prevenção (r=0,109, p < 0,0001), Obstáculos para seguir às precauções (r=0,394, p < 0,0001), Disponibilidade de EPI (r=0,189 p < 0,0001), Clima de Segurança (r=0,325, p < 0,0001) e Treinamento em Prevenção da Exposição Ocupacional (r=+0,308, p < 0,0001). Conclusão: A adesão às precauções padrão está associada a fatores individuais, relacionados ao trabalho e organizacionais.

Association between individual, work-related and organizational factors and adherence to standard precautions / Asociación entre factores individuales, laborales y organizacionales con la adherencia a las precauciones estándar / Associação entre fatores individuais, relativos ao trabalho e organizacionais com a adesão às precauções padrão

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between individual, work-related and organizational factors with adherence to standard precautions. Method: Cross-sectional study, carried out from January to June 2016 with 602 nursing workers from a university hospital. Ten Likert-type psychometric scales were used, with 57 items, organized in three domains: individual, work-related and organizational factors. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The adherence to the standard precautions obtained a mean intermediate score (4.30 ± 1.03) and a positive correlation with the Risk Personality Scales (r = 0.136, p <0.0001), Prevention Efficacy (r = 0.109 , p <0.0001), Obstacles to follow the precautions (r = 0.394, p <0.0001), PPE availability (r = 0.189 p <0.0001), Safety Climate (r = 0.325, p <0 , 0001) and Training on Prevention of Occupational Exposure (r = + 0.308, p <0.0001). Conclusion: Adherence to standard precautions is associated with individual, work-related, and organizational factors.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la asociación entre los factores individuales, relacionados con el trabajo y organizacionales con el cumplimiento de las precauciones estándar. Método: Estudio transversal, realizado de enero a junio de 2016 con 602 trabajadores de enfermería de un hospital universitario. Se utilizaron diez escalas psicométricas tipo Likert, con 57 ítems, organizados en tres dominios: individual, relacionado con el trabajo y factores organizativos. Los datos fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: La adherencia a las precauciones estándar obtuvo una puntuación media intermedia (4.30 ± 1.03) y una correlación positiva con las Escalas de Personalidad de Riesgo (r = 0.136, p <0.0001), Eficacia de la Prevención (r = 0.109) , p <0.0001), Obstáculos para seguir las precauciones (r = 0.394, p <0.0001), Disponibilidad de PPE (r = 0.189 p <0.0001), Clima de seguridad (r = 0.325, p <0 , 0001) y Capacitación en Prevención de la Exposición Ocupacional (r = + 0.308, p <0.0001). Conclusión: La adherencia a las precauciones estándar está asociada con factores individuales, relacionados con el trabajo y organizativos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre fatores individuais, relativos ao trabalho e organizacionais com adesão às precauções-padrão. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado de janeiro a junho de 2016 com 602 trabalhadores de enfermagem de um hospital universitário. Foram utilizadas 10 escalas psicométricas do tipo Likert, com 57 itens, organizadas em três domínios: fatores individuais, relativos ao trabalho e organizacionais. Os dados foram analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: A adesão às precauções-padrão obteve escore médio intermediário (4,30 ±1,03) e apresentou correlação positiva com as escalas de Personalidade de Risco (r=0,136, p < 0,0001), Eficácia da Prevenção (r=0,109, p < 0,0001), Obstáculos para seguir às precauções (r=0,394, p < 0,0001), Disponibilidade de EPI (r=0,189 p < 0,0001), Clima de Segurança (r=0,325, p < 0,0001) e Treinamento em Prevenção da Exposição Ocupacional (r=+0,308, p < 0,0001). Conclusão: A adesão às precauções padrão está associada a fatores individuais, relacionados ao trabalho e organizacionais.

Assessment of needle stick and sharp injuries among health care workers in central zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Accidental occupational injuries to health care workers (HCWs) continue to have a significant problem in the healthcare system. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess prevalence of needle sticks and sharp injury and associated factors among health care workers working in Central Zone Tigray northern Ethiopia. RESULT: The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injury in the past 12 months preceding the study and entire job were 25.9% and 38.5% respectively. Nearly one-third (31%) of the injuries occurred in emergency unit and 122 (71.3%) of the materials caused injury were used on patients. Practice of needle recap, ever used cigarette in last 12 months, training, work hours > 40 per week, job dissatisfaction and work experience less than 5 years were found factors significantly associated with needle stick and sharp injury for health care workers. The magnitude of Needle stick and sharp injury is high in the study area. Policy makers should formulate strategies to improve the working condition for healthcare workers and increase their adherence to universal precautions.

Reasons and consequences of low adherence to standard precautions by the nursing team. / Motivos e consequências da baixa adesão às precauções padrão pela equipe de enfermagem.

Standard precautions (SP) are recommendations to prevent infection and protect health care workers during the provision of care, however, still exists low adherence to these recommendations. Objective To analyze the reasons and consequences of low adherence to standard precautions by the nursing staff. Method integrative literature review, search in seven databases, from 2005 to 2014. Results 30 articles were selected for analysis. The reasons for low adherence evidenced relate to deficient practices of lifelong learning, risk behaviors of workers, inadequate provision of equipment and protective equipment and inadequate working conditions. The consequences are accidents and occupational diseases. There are few intervention studies, which merely provide guidance to professionals. Conclusions The low adhesion to standard precautions is linked to individual aspects of workers, employers and educational institutions. Intervention strategies carried out have shown little efficient by only focusing on the worker.

Motivos e consequências da baixa adesão às precauções padrão pela equipe de enfermagem / Razones y consecuencias de la baja adhesión a precauciones estándar para el equipo de enfermería / Reasons and consequences of low adherence to standard precautions by the nursing team

RESUMO As precauções padrão (PP) são recomendações para prevenir infecções e proteger os trabalhadores de saúde durante a prestação de cuidados. Porém, constata-se baixa adesão a estas recomendações. Objetivo Analisar os motivos e as consequências da baixa adesão às PP pela equipe de enfermagem. Método Revisão integrativa da literatura, busca em sete bases de dados, período de 2005 a 2014. Resultados 30 artigos foram selecionados para análise. Os motivos da baixa adesão evidenciados relacionam-se a práticas deficitárias de educação permanente, comportamentos de risco de trabalhadores, provisão de material e equipamentos de proteção inadequados e condições de trabalho inadequadas. As consequências são os acidentes e as doenças do trabalho. Os estudos de intervenção são escassos e limitam-se à educação dos profissionais. Conclusões A baixa adesão às PP está vinculada a aspectos individuais dos trabalhadores e às instituições empregadoras e formadoras. As estratégias de intervenção realizadas mostram-se pouco eficientes por focar apenas o trabalhador.

RESUMEN Las precauciones estándares (PE) son recomendaciones para prevenir infecciones y proteger a los trabajadores de la salud durante la prestación de cuidados, pero, se constata baja adhesión a estas recomendaciones. Objetivo analizar los motivos y consecuencias de la baja adhesión a las PE por el equipo de enfermería. Método revisión integradora de la literatura, busca en siete bases de datos, periodo de 2005 a 2014. Resultados 30 artículos fueron seleccionados para análisis. Los motivos de la baja adhesión evidenciados se relacionan a precarias prácticas de educación permanente, comportamientos de riesgo de trabajadores, inadecuada provisión de material y equipos de protección e inadecuadas condiciones de trabajo. Las consecuencias son los accidentes y las enfermedades del trabajo. Son escasos los estudios de intervención y se limitan a la educación de los profesionales. Conclusiones la baja adhesión a las PE se vincula a los aspectos individuales de los trabajadores, las instituciones empleadoras y formadoras. Las estrategias de intervención realizadas se muestran poco eficientes por enfocar solo al trabajador.

ABSTRACT Standard precautions (SP) are recommendations to prevent infection and protect health care workers during the provision of care, however, still exists low adherence to these recommendations. Objective To analyze the reasons and consequences of low adherence to standard precautions by the nursing staff. Method integrative literature review, search in seven databases, from 2005 to 2014. Results 30 articles were selected for analysis. The reasons for low adherence evidenced relate to deficient practices of lifelong learning, risk behaviors of workers, inadequate provision of equipment and protective equipment and inadequate working conditions. The consequences are accidents and occupational diseases. There are few intervention studies, which merely provide guidance to professionals. Conclusions The low adhesion to standard precautions is linked to individual aspects of workers, employers and educational institutions. Intervention strategies carried out have shown little efficient by only focusing on the worker.

How compliant are technicians with universal safety measures in medical laboratories in Croatia?--A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: This pilot study aimed to investigate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance to the code of conduct (rules defined in institutional, governmental and professional guidelines) among laboratory technicians in Croatian medical laboratories. In addition, we explored the differences in compliance between participants of different age groups, laboratory ownership and accreditation status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous and voluntary survey with 15 questions was conducted among Croatian medical laboratory technicians (N=217). The questions were divided into two groups: demographic characteristics and the use of PPE. The questions of the second part were graded according to the Likert scale (1-4) and an overall score, shown as median and range (min-max), was calculated for each participant. Differences between the overall scores were tested for each group of participants. RESULTS: The majority of participants always wear protective clothes at work, 38.7% of them always wear gloves in daily routine, more than 30.0% consume food and almost half of them drink beverages at workplace. A significantly lower overall score was found for participants working in public compared to private laboratories (36 (16-40) vs. 40 (31-40), P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in overall scores for participants of different age groups (P=0.456) and laboratory accreditation status (P=0.081). CONCLUSION: A considerable percentage of laboratory technicians in Croatian medical laboratories do not comply with safety measures. Lack of compliance is observed in all personnel regardless laboratory accreditation and participants' age. However, those working in private laboratories adhere more to the code of conduct.

Infection control: nurses' knowledge and practice of universal precaution in Delta State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Health personnel especially nurses are at high risk of various occupational acquisition of infections such as blood-borne infections, body fluids and contaminated medical equipment. Health personnel may transmit the acquired infections to clients, colleagues and other people they come in contact with. Infection control reduces the risk of transmission of infections among clients, clients to nurses or other health personnel and vice versa. Literature reveals that nurses' knowledge and attention to infection control in Primary Health Centres (PHC) in Nigeria is very limited. This study was therefore designed to assess the nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control in PHC in Delta State, Nigeria. METHOD: Cross-sectional design was utilised and target population were the nurses working in PHC in Delta State. Using Slovan's sampling formula; a sample size of 231 nurses was obtained from the randomly selected 17 out of the 25 local government areas in Delta State. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Items on knowledge have Yes/No responses while items on practice have Always, Sometimes, Not at all and not applicable responses. Data were analysed and hypothesis tested with Chi square test at significant level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Findings revealed that nurses in the study setting had good knowledge of infection control, but not fully reflected in the level of their practice of infection control. Majority of them knew that the following precautions could prevent infection: cleaning/covering of sores with waterproof plaster (96.1%), washing of hands with soap and water (97.8%), wearing of gloves (99.1) and disinfecting re-usable instruments (95.2%). In practice, the percentage was below average in the use of hand gloves (47.6%), disinfection of re-usable instrument (45.9%), use of face mask (17.7%), use of eyeshield (7.0%). There was relationship between the years of working experience and practice of infection control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study reveals that the practice of universal precaution is not given much attention in the PHC and this may constitute health risk to the nurses and the patients in the study setting. It is essential that activities that will encourage the practice of infection control should be put in place in PHC to prevent transmission of infection.