Masters Degrees (Health Systems and Public Health)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Health Systems and Public Health) by browse.metadata.advisor "Dramowski, Angela"

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    Knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 infection prevention and control among nurses in the intensive care unit at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-03) Onga, Bangani; English, Rene; Dramowski, Angela; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Health Systems and Public Health.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Critical care environments rapidly adapted infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Critical care nurse’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 IPC may impact the risk of healthcare-associated COVID-19 transmission. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa between 20 April and 30 May 2021. Participants completed anonymous, self-administered, 33-item KAP questionnaires and individual interviews regarding their lived experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 IPC in critical care. Results: One hundred and sixteen ICU nurses participated (93.5% response rate) including 57 professional nurses (49.0%), 34 enrolled nurses (29.0%) and 25 enrolled nursing assistants (22.0%) with young females (31-49 years) predominating (99; 85.3%). Nurses’ overall COVID-19 IPC knowledge scores were moderate-good (78%), with professional nurses having significantly better knowledge regarding the route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (p<0.001). ICU nurses’ attitude scores to COVID-19 IPC were low (55%), influenced by limited IPC training, insufficient time to implement IPC precautions and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents’ scores for self-reported COVID-19 IPC practices were moderate (65%); the highest compliance was reported for performing hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings (68%). Only half of the respondents (47%) had undergone N95 respirator fit-testing, despite working in a high-risk environment for COVID-19 transmission. Conclusion: Regular and intensive training on COVID-19 IPC precautions should be provided to equip ICU nurses with the requisite knowledge and skills to prevent healthcare-associated COVID-19 transmission. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may contribute to more favourable attitudes and better IPC practices among ICU nurses.