Poor knowledge – predictor of nonadherence to universal precautions for blood borne pathogens at first level care facilities in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: We conducted an assessment of knowledge about blood borne pathogens (BBP) and use of universal precautions at first level care facilities (FLCF) in two districts of Pakistan.

Hepatitis B Vaccination among Primary Health Care Workers in Northwest Pakistan

“…The prevalence of complete hepatitis B vaccination among primary HCWs in rural areas of North West Pakistan was lower than the prevalence among primary HCWs reported from rural Sindh, Pakistan (14) and North India. (17) In a study at first level care facilities in Sindh Pakistan, 50.2% of HCWs (compared with 40.2% in this study), 83% licensed Practitioners (compared with 85.9% in this study), 36.4% non-licensed Practitioners (compared with 27.3% in this study), and 42% Dispensers/assistants (compared with 37.7% in this study) reported complete hepatitis B vaccination.…”

“…(17) In a study at first level care facilities in Sindh Pakistan, 50.2% of HCWs (compared with 40.2% in this study), 83% licensed Practitioners (compared with 85.9% in this study), 36.4% non-licensed Practitioners (compared with 27.3% in this study), and 42% Dispensers/assistants (compared with 37.7% in this study) reported complete hepatitis B vaccination. (14) A study at a community based hospitals in rural India, reported that 87% HCWs were completely hepatitis B vaccinated. (17) We did not find any other literature about the prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination among primary HCWs from the region.…”

“…Sample size was calculated based on 50% prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs at first level care facilities (14) in Pakistan, assuming 3% bound on error of estimation, 5% level of significance, adjusting for 10% non-response and using the finite population correction factor, the required minimum sample size for this study was 370 clinics. Out of 370 clinics randomly selected, 363 clinics provided the permission to participate in the study.…”

“…Higher score represented higher perception of selfefficacy. The knowledge scale used in our questionnaire was adapted from the a study conducted in rural Sindh, Pakistan (14) with reported Cronbach's alpha score for internal consistency of 0.75, scales for compliance with UPs, and barriers to hepatitis B vaccination were adapted from a study in India (15) and modified according to the local setting and objective of the study.…”

Cross-sectional study on accidental occupational exposures amongst urban slum-based private medical practitioners

“…The difference between allopathic and non-allopathic practitioners in knowledge of PEP regimen for occupational exposure was not statistically significant. Janjua et al 18 concluded that the level of knowledge was a major determinant in adherence to universal precautions at first level care facilities in Pakistan. In a Canadian study, 19 the perception of a physician towards risk of contracting HIV was found to determine his behaviour in preventing an occupational exposure.…”