Healthcare providers' knowledge of standard precautions at the primary healthcare level in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of standard precautions (SPs) and infection control by healthcare workers (HCWs) at the primary healthcare level in Al-Hassa, and to define possible correlates that influence such knowledge. All HCWs at primary healthcare centres in Al-Hassa were targeted for the survey. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and pre-tested. The data gathered covered basic knowledge of components of SPs and infection control including objectives, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, sharps disposal, environmental sanitation and care of healthcare providers. Attitudes pertaining to implementation of SPs and training needs were also assessed. Knowledge deficits of components of SPs were demonstrated, especially those related to hand hygiene, sharps disposal, management of sharps injuries and environmental cleaning. Misconceptions were identified in the management of HCWs after exposure to patients with communicable diseases and following sharps injuries. Age of providers, speciality and previous on-the-job training did not influence the knowledge of the participants. Female gender, holding a postgraduate degree and >5 years of experience in primary healthcare were positive correlates to the knowledge score. Lack of resources and training opportunities, and excessive workload were the most frequent factors cited by HCWs for not implementing SPs during routine tasks. The level of knowledge of SPs by HCWs in primary healthcare in Al-Hassa is low. Current training and medical and nursing school curricula should therefore be revised.