Assessment of Nurses' Practices Toward Infection Control Standardized Precautions in Azady Teaching Hospital in the City of Kirkuk

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess the practices of nurses towards standard precautions at Azady
Teaching Hospital in the City of Kirkuk.
Methodology: A descriptive study, which uses the assessment approach and it was conducted on nurses from January
18th, 2009 to September 30th, 2009, using non-probability sampling a purposive sample of (37) subject (male and
female nurses) who worked at surgical wards in Azady Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk city was selected. Two study
instruments were utilized for proper data collection [questionnaire and observational checklist]; a questionnaire was
developed for the purpose of the study. It was comprised of two parts which included the nurses' demographic
characteristics and Information related to the setting of the sample (surgical wards). A pilot study was carried out for
the period of January 18th, 2009, to February 2nd, 2009 to determine the observaƟonal checklist reliability through
the use of (Inter–rater). A panel of (19) experts was involved in the determinaƟon of the observaƟonal checklist
content validity. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical data analysis approach
(frequency, percentage, mean of scores and standard deviation), and inferential data analysis approach (chi-square).
Results: The study findings revealed that the majority (91.9%) of the nurses did not get training sessions regarding
infecƟon control and (83.4%) of them had not parƟcipated conƟnuous learning about infecƟon control. According to
the level of practices towards standard precautions, it has revealed that poor practices of standard precautions by
surgical wards nurses had shown in surgical wards.
Recommendations: The study recommended that special education programs can be designed and presented to the
surgical ward nurses and to all the hospital staff in order to increase their awareness towards infection.