Abstract

DEMOGRAPHIC INSIGHTS INTO COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE PRACTICES: A STUDY AMONG NURSING PERSONNELS IN BANGLADESH

Rokeya Aktar Kusum, Mohammad Sohag Miah, Mohammed Salahuddin, Tauheda Rahman Muna, Most. Sharmin Akhtar Mousume, Kamrun Nahar Tuli, Abu Ansar Md Rizwan*

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Abstract

Introduction: Amidst the global health emergency precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of robust Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategies has been vital in mitigating the spread of the virus, particularly within the confines of healthcare facilities. As integral members of the healthcare workforce, nurses are tasked with the critical responsibility of adhering to and promoting these IPC measures. This study conducts a rigorous assessment of IPC adherence among nursing personnel in Bangladesh, a nation where the confluence of high population density and limited healthcare resources presents a unique set of challenges. By examining the compliance with and efficacy of IPC protocols, this research yields insightful revelations into the frontline application of IPC initiatives by nurses during a period of global medical crisis. Methodology: A crosssectional study was conducted across three tertiary public hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from October to December 2021. A sample size of 384 nurses was determined using systematic random sampling. Data collection involved a semi-structured questionnaire and direct interviews. The practice evaluation used a scoring system with a 60% threshold distinguishing 'good' from 'poor' levels of practice. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and Stata. Results: Most nurses (91.35%) practiced eating well-cooked food, with 80.17% maintaining hand hygiene, and 100% adhering to social distancing. A significant majority (86.78%) were classified as having 'Good' practice levels. Younger nurses (20-30 years) showed stronger adherence (p=0.019), while educational attainment and gender did not significantly affect practice levels. Conclusions: The high compliance with IPC measures among nursing staff in Dhaka's tertiary hospitals indicates a strong commitment to patient and personal safety during the pandemic. The correlation between age and IPC adherence highlights the importance of targeted training and policy development to enhance IPC practices across all age groups in the nursing workforce. These findings provide a comparative perspective on regional IPC implementation, contributing valuable insights into occupational health practices during global health crises.

Keywords: COVID-19, Infection Prevention and Control, Nursing Staff, Bangladesh, Occupational Health.