COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PRACTICE OF STANDARD PRECAUTION AMONG PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, PORT-HARCOURT.
Abstract
Corona-Viruses (CoV) are viruses that are responsible for flu - like symptoms that nffect the respiratory system. This virus can spread directly or indirectly. Practice of standard precaution among professional healthcare workers (PHWs) is a crucial element for the primary prevention of the spread of the COVI-19 virus. The aim of the study was to assess the practice of standard precaution among PHWs during the Covid-19 pandemic in RUTH, Port-Harcourt. A cross sectional descriptive study was employed with a target population of 387 and a sample size of One hundred and ninety-six (196) PHWs. Data was obtained using a self-structured questionnaire.
Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Product for Service Solution
(SPSS) version 26 and Excel. The result of this study revealed that healthcare professionals have a good practice of different standard precaution methods. For Doctors wearing hand gloves Sometimes; 53(100%) practice hand hygiene Always, 53(100%), for Nurses the highest was 45(70.3%) practice hand hygiene Always and use of Personal protective equipment Most times is 45(70.3%). For medical laboratory scientists their highest was 43(100%) indicated that they wear hand gloves Always, for those working in the covid-19 center 30(100%) of the respondent indicated that they wear hand gloves Always. On methods to improve standard precaution practice the highest was to penalize defaulter of standard precaution practice" which had (mean score= 2.64, S.D= 0.697), and "provision of committee to monitor standard practice in the hospital" had (mean score=2.55, S.D =0.605). In conclusion the study revealed a good practice of standard precaution by PHWs. It is therefore recommended that a written guideline on the steps of standard precaution practice should be made available in every ward in the health facility to serve as a reminder. Also, there should be a committee to monitor the practice for better outcomes.
Key words: Covid-19, Pandemic, Practice of standard precaution, Professional healthcare workers
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