Knowledge, Awareness, and Practice of Universal Precautions at a Tertiary Health Facility in Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Universal precautions require healthcare workers to treat all blood and body fluids as infectious and apply protective measures to prevent exposure to pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Despite their long-standing role in infection prevention, compliance remains uneven, especially in resource-limited hospitals. Improving healthcare workers’ knowledge, awareness, and consistent practice of universal precautions is essential for reducing occupational risks and strengthening infection prevention across all clinical settings. Methods: A 31-item questionnaire was self-administered to clinical staff working at the health facility. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics as well as knowledge, awareness, and practice of universal precaution measures. Results were expressed using descriptive statistics, including simple frequencies and percentages. Results: The study enrolled 173 participants comprising medical doctors (n = 28, 16.2%), nurses (n = 39, 22.6%), laboratory scientists (n = 21, 12.1%), ward assistants (n = 46, 28.8%), pharmacists (n = 13, 7.5%), and technologists, social workers, and other clinical staff (n = 26, 15.1%). Six participants (4 males and 2 females) did not respond, giving a response rate of 96.5%. Of the 167 respondents, 91 (54.5%) were males and 76 (45.5%) were females. Overall, 32 (18.5%) participants fully identified the universal precaution guidelines, while 63 (36.4%) practiced hand hygiene during clinical procedures. Conclusion: This study demonstrated poor knowledge, awareness, and practice of universal precaution measures among healthcare workers at a tertiary health facility in Northeast Nigeria. There is an urgent need for periodic training and retraining on universal precaution measures among workers in the study population.