HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES IN PREVENTION AND TRANSMISSION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN AN ACUTE CARE SETTING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge, perceptions, and practices of healthcare professionals (HPs) towards prevention and transmission of MRSA in an acute care setting, and to identify barriers and factors associated. Background: Despite enforcement of infection control practices, occurrence of HAIs related MRSA continues to be a healthcare concern globally. Adherence to infection control practices are noted to be substandard. Being the first line of direct contact with patients, HPs play a vital role in prevention and transmission of infections. Hence, there is a need to facilitate understanding on the knowledge, perception and practices among HPs and the reasons of inconsistent practices. Design: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was adopted. Methods: 584 healthcare professionals were recruited between September and November 2017 by convenience sampling. Data was collected using a modified and validated MRSA-SSRQ. Descriptive statistics, Spearman rho’s correlation coefficients, Pearson Chi-square tests, multiple logistic and linear regression were used for data analyses. Results: Significant associations were found between knowledge, perceptions and practices. Mean knowledge scores among HPs was 4.20±1.18. Knowledge gaps were noted with significant differences (p <0.05) observed for four out of six questions. HPs had generally positive perceptions towards MRSA with significant differences (p <0.05) noted for three out of the twelve statements. Mean practice scores among the HPs was 2.69±0.68 with significant differences reported for adherence of gloves and gowns (p <0.05). Additionally, patient nonadherence with contact precautions and poor attitudes were the most important factors and barrier influencing MRSA transmission. Conclusion: Findings suggest that educational interventions are needed to bridge the knowledge gaps and narrow the differences of knowledge, perception and ?? ix practices among HPs. Interventions to reduce barriers are also crucial in translating knowledge into consistent adherence of standard control guidelines.