Effectiveness of standard precautions in the prevention of COVID-19

Background: COVID-19 is the novel pandemic that has caused exponential deaths worldwide and damaged health care systems of developed as well as developing regions. Many of the HCWs across the countries are getting affected by this infection and losing their lives.Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of compliance with SPs for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission among HCWs and identify its associated factors.Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted on 877 HCWs in nine different tertiary care hospitals of Sindh. HCWs were retrieved using universal sampling. Data was collected using self-reporting questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied using a forward stepwise technique. The variable studied included SPs’ compliance and Demographics, SPs’ Knowledge, Knowledge and organizational factors.Results: Logistic regression analysis confirmed various factors including some highly significant factors. The lack of knowledge regarding gloves for central lines, OR: 3.15 (95%CI: 1.29-7.68), providing bath OR: 6.60 (95%CI: 2.95-14.78), Non-compliant HCWs due to lack of management interest OR: 6.73, (95% CI: 4.01-11.29), HCWs following protections against HCAIs; OR: 3.52, (95% CI: 2.20-5.64). HCWs noncompliance with mask; OR: 6.73, (95% CI: 3.92-11.55) and HCWs knowledge about protection; OR: 3.61, (95% CI: 1.43-9.15).Conclusion: Lack of knowledge, practices, and as well, as lack of the hospital administrative interest toward the safety of the employee's standard precaution regarding COVID-19 prevention were the main associated factors identified in our study. These factors should be addressed to increase compliance among HCWs.