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Table 3 Knowledge of standard precautions among HCWs

From: Knowledge of standard precautions and barriers to compliance among healthcare workers in the Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana

Knowledge of standard precautions among HCWs

Freq.

Perc.

The concept of standard precautions includes

Hand washing before and after any direct contact with patient

37

37.0

Consideration of the potential for transmission of infectious agents to patients

38

38.0

Cough etiquette such as directing patients/relatives with symptoms of a respiratory infection to cover their mouths/noses when coughing or sneezing

39

39.0

Safe injection practices such as aseptic techniques

40

40.0

Potential ways of occupational exposure

Needle stick/sharp injury

67

67.0

Splash on the eye

65

65.0

Inhalation

64

64.0

Talking to patients

64

64.0

Touching patients

64

64.0

According to the SP, hand washing is performed

Before any direct contact with patients

55

55.0

Between patients’ contact

54

54.0

Immediately after removing gloves

53

53.0

After touching body fluids such as blood, excretions and sweat

58

58.0

For which of these conditions should SP be followed

To all hospitalised patients

93

93.0

When the healthcare worker has a known or suspected infection

91

91.0

When the patient has a known or suspected infection

90

90.0

At the discretion of the healthcare worker.

90

90.0

Body fluids that require SP

Blood

92

92.0

Vaginal fluids

91

91.0

Blood tinged body fluids

91

91.0

Saliva in dental procedures

91

91.0

Important factors in deciding when to use PPEs such as goggles, mask, gloves, gowns and apron

HIV/AIDS

52

52.0

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

51

51.0

Signs and symptoms of infection

53

53.0

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV

HIV counseling and testing is done immediately after the exposure

49

49.0

PEP is given only to HIV negative test result

49

49.0

Two or three antiretroviral drugs are given immediately after the exposure but within 72 h

90

90.0

The antiretroviral drug is taken for 4 weeks

64

64.0

  1. Results of multiple choice questions are reported in this table so N exceeds 100 for thematic areas in italic text
  2. Freq. frequency, Perc. percent, SP standard precautions, PPE personal protective equipment