Disinfectants use awareness among college of nursing students and nurses in some healthcare settings, Kuwait

Abstract

The use of many chemicals with toxic characteristics in health care environments necessitates additional protection for health care workers. In addition to worker safety, patient safety needs to be considered when selecting possibly hazardous chemicals to be used in the health care setting. The aim of the present study was to assess disinfectants use awareness and knowledge among qualified nurses and undergraduate nurses. An untitled questionnaire was completed by 507 nursing students and qualified nurses. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: knowledge of disinfectants, types of disinfectants, symptoms related to the use of disinfectants and the precautions necessary when using disinfectants. Answers were given using a three-point Likert-type scale. The differences between two population proportions and t-test were used. Qualified nurse respondents (n=241; 47.5%) included one hundred and eighty seven females (77.5%) and 54 males (22.5%). Student nurse respondents (n=266; 52.5%) included 210 females (78.9%) and 56 (21.1%) males. Regarding the correct answers, the results showed that qualified nurses had significantly higher mean scores than undergraduate nurses. Male nurse respondents showed the highest mean scores in Sections I, II and III (P < 0.005). This study has revealed a gap between knowledge and practices, which, if addressed, that would protect nurses against the misuse of disinfectants. In conclusion, undergraduate students are needed to improve knowledge and awareness in the four sections prior to graduation. © IDOSI Publications, 2012.