KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING STANDARD ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS AMONG REGISTERED NURSES AT AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Standard isolation precautions constitute the foundation of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. Despite established international guidelines, variability persists in nurses’ knowledge and attitudes, potentially compromising patient and occupational safety.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding standard isolation precautions among registered nurses working at a tertiary care hospital in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 59 registered nurses using a structured, adapted questionnaire measuring knowledge (10 items) and attitudes (10 Likert-scale items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations).

Results: Fifty-five percent of nurses demonstrated adequate knowledge of standard isolation precautions, while 45% exhibited knowledge deficits, particularly regarding needle-stick injury management and specific personal protective equipment (PPE) indications. Despite relatively high participation in infection control training, 57% of respondents expressed negative attitudes toward strict implementation of isolation precautions. Only 20.9% demonstrated a positive attitudinal orientation.

Conclusion: Although foundational knowledge was moderately adequate, substantial attitudinal resistance was identified. Interventions should therefore extend beyond information dissemination to address behavioral determinants and institutional safety culture.