Constraints in nurses' use of HIV protective barriers in the care of PLWHA in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

World Hosp Health Serv. 2009;45(2):27-30.

Abstract

This survey examines the constraints limiting nurses' use of protective barriers in the care of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ibadan, Nigeria. 270 females and 5 male nurses working in UCH were purposively selected. A self-developed questionnaire was used during data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square. Results about nurses' use of protective devices (eg gloves) showed that 206 (94.2%) use PB always, 15 (5.5%) frequently use PB and 1 (0.4%) occasionally use PB. Chi-square test shows significant differences between constraints in the use of PB in the care of PLWHA and adherence to HIV/AIDS universal precautions (chi2 = 15.22, 1df, P < 0.05). It was concluded that nurses in the selected setting were faced with constraints in the use of PB and as such were inadequately protected from blood-borne diseases especially when caring for PLWHA.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Nigeria
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital*
  • Protective Clothing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Safety Management
  • Universal Precautions* / methods