Demographic insights into covid-19 preventative practices

Summary of article contents:

1) Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global healthcare systems, necessitating stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, especially among frontline healthcare workers like nurses. This study focuses on evaluating adherence to IPC practices among nursing personnel in Bangladesh, particularly in tertiary public hospitals in Dhaka. The research highlights the role of nurses in mitigating the virus's spread and identifies specific demographics, compliance levels, and areas for potential improvement in IPC practices within this context.

2) High Compliance with IPC Measures

The results of the study indicate a commendable level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive practices among nursing staff. Notably, 100% of the respondents maintained social distancing, while 91.35% reported consistently eating well-cooked food. Furthermore, a significant majority—80.17%—practiced proper hand hygiene. The study categorized 86.78% of nurses as demonstrating ‘Good’ practice levels, reinforcing the notion that nurses are actively engaged in implementing safety measures during the pandemic. These findings underscore the commitment of healthcare providers to protect themselves and their patients amid challenging conditions.

3) Influence of Age and Experience on Compliance

The study discovered a significant correlation between age and adherence to IPC practices, with younger nurses (ages 20-30) exhibiting stronger compliance. A substantial 87.56% of this age group showed good practice levels, indicating that recent training may play a role in their adherence. Additionally, years of experience also correlated positively with higher compliance rates, suggesting that seasoned nurses tend to internalize and prioritize infection control measures due to their familiarity with potential health risks. This highlights the importance of targeted education and training programs tailored to various age groups and experience levels in enhancing IPC adherence.

4) Demographic Insights and Further Analysis

Demographic analysis revealed a predominance of female nurses in the sample, with 96.20% identifying as female. The majority held a BSc in Nursing (72.23%) and displayed high engagement in clinical roles (76.77%). However, despite high overall compliance, 13.22% of nurses exhibited poor practice levels, suggesting areas where further intervention may be necessary. Younger nurses, while demonstrating high compliance, may require ongoing support and education to maintain and improve IPC standards as the pandemic continues to evolve.

5) Conclusion

The study's findings present a positive outlook on the adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures among nursing staff in Bangladesh's tertiary hospitals but also point to areas for improvement, particularly among less experienced nurses. Continuous education and targeted training programs in IPC practices are recommended to bolster compliance across all demographics, ensuring that nurses can maintain high standards of practice. Furthermore, ongoing research is essential to monitor adherence over time and identify any emerging challenges that may hinder effective infection control in the healthcare setting.