Health care workers’ perceptions predicts uptake of personal protective equipment

Publié le 21 janvier 2013 • Catégorie(s) : Hygiène et gestion des risques •

Auteur    Jan Gralton
Auteur    William D. Rawlinson
Auteur    Mary-Louise McLaws
Résumé    Background Health care workers’ (HCW) compliance with infection control measures is influenced by organizational, environmental and individual factors. However, it is unknown whether HCWs’ perceptions of transmission risk and protectiveness of infection control measures influences the uptake of infection control measures. Methods A questionnaire of perceptions and intentions to use infection control measures was completed by 74 HCWs at 2 hospitals. HCWs also indicated a 1-m transmission risk zone and their perceived transmission risk zone. Responses were used in logistic regression models to predict intended behaviors. Results Poor recognition of the importance of employing a 1-m transmission risk zone predicted intention not to don a mask in single rooms where patient contact was unexpected (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.5; P = .032). When contact was expected, perceived protectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (AOR, 7.9; P < .001), vaccination (AOR, 3.6; P = .023), and a minimum 1-m risk zone (AOR, 9.8; P = .022) predicted mask use. HCWs perceived transmission risk zones within 2.45 m from attending an adult and 1.12 m from attending pediatric patients. Conclusion Intention to use a facemask was poor for care in single rooms but improved if patient contact was expected and in multibed rooms. HCWs attending pediatric patients measured a smaller transmission risk zone than what is currently recommended under droplet precautions.
Publication    American Journal of Infection Control
Volume    41
Numéro    1
Pages    2-7
Date    janvier 2013