Changing knowledge, behavior, and practice related to universal precautions among hospital nurses in China

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of an educational training program for hospital nurses on universal precautions in Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.

Method: Using a quasi-experimental design, 50 of 100 randomly selected hospital nurses were randomly assigned to receive an educational intervention. Questionnaires were administered to the 100 nurses prior to and 4 months after the training.

Findings: Knowledge, practice, and behaviors related to universal precautions and the prevalence of hepatitis B immunization improved among nurses in the group who received training. No significant change in the frequency of glove use was found. Underreporting of sharps injuries to hospital authorities continued in both groups.

Conclusion: Although educational training significantly improved Chinese nurses' knowledge, practice, and behavior related to universal precautions, there remains room for improvement in glove use and needlestick injury reporting.