Intensive care unit nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 infection prevention and control.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Bangani, Onga English, René Dramowski, Angela
Copyright Year	2023
Abstract	Background Intensive care units (ICUs) had to rapidly adapt infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives To determine ICU nurses’ COVID-19 IPC-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. Method A mixed-methods study was conducted at the Groote Schuur Hospital ICU, Cape Town, South Africa (20 April 2021 and 30 May 2021). Participants completed anonymous, self-administered, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaires. Individual interviews were conducted regarding nurses’ lived experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 IPC in critical care. Results In total, 116 ICU nurses participated (93.5% response rate) including 57 professional nurses (49%), 34 enrolled nurses (29%) and 25 enrolled nursing assistants (22%); young females (31–49 years) predominating (n = 99; 85.3%). Nurses’ overall COVID-19 IPC knowledge scores were moderately good (78%); professional nurses had greater knowledge of COVID-19 transmission (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit nurses’ attitude scores towards COVID-19 IPC were low (55%), influenced by limited IPC training, insufficient time to implement IPC and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents’ scores for self-reported COVID-19 IPC practices were moderate (65%); highest compliance rates were for hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings (68%). Only 47% ICU nurses underwent N95 respirator fit-testing despite working in a COVID-19 ICU. Conclusion Regular COVID-19 IPC training is needed to equip ICU nurses with the knowledge and skills to prevent healthcare-associated COVID-19 transmission. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support more favourable attitudes and better IPC practices. Comprehensive IPC and occupational health support should be offered to ensure ICU nurses’ wellbeing during pandemics. Contribution Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support better attitudes and IPC practices.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC10318607&blobtype=pdf
ISSN	23120053
Volume Number	38
DOI	10.4102/sajid.v38i1.478
PubMed Central reference number	PMC10318607
Issue Number	1
PubMed reference number	37435115
Journal	Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases [S Afr J Infect Dis]
e-ISSN	23131810
Language	English
Publisher	AOSIS
Publisher Date	2023-06-29
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License. © 2023. The Authors
Subject Keyword	COVID-19 infection prevention and control IPC intensive care unit ICU knowledge attitudes practices
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Infectious Diseases