Tuberculosis prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary health care nurses. Issue 6 (31st July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Rensburg, André Janse; Engelbrecht, Michelle; Kigozi, Gladys; van Rensburg, Dingie
• Is Part Of: International journal of nursing practice. Volume 24:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-07-31
• Subjects: attitudes -- knowledge -- nurses -- practices -- primary health care -- TB prevention; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Practice -- Periodicals; 610.73092
• DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12681
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-7114

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to challenge global health systems, especially in South Africa. Nurses are especially vulnerable to TB exposure, because of their prolonged front‐line contact with infected patients—especially in primary health care (PHC) clinics. Their infection control practices, influenced by key factors such as knowledge and attitudes towards TB prevention, become an important consideration. The aim of the study was to (1) describe the TB prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PHC nurses in a South African district and (2) explore moderating factors on TB prevention practices. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken at all 41 PHC facilities in Mangaung Metropolitan district, Free State province, South Africa, using self‐administered questionnaires. Captured data were analysed to yield descriptive and multivariate statistics. Results: Results suggest several instances of inadequate TB prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Good TB practice was predicted by TB attitudes and knowledge, and the relationship between TB prevention knowledge and practices was not moderated by training, attitudes, or nurse category. Conclusion: Results echo previous indications that nurses often do not exhibit the desired knowledge, attitudes, and practices required to adequately protect themselves and others against TB and suggest further exploration towards understanding the influences on TB prevention practice among nurses. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Nurses are especially at risk for tuberculosis infection. Not much is known about nurses' tuberculosis prevention capabilities in primary health care settings, the front line of contact with infection. Little is known about the influences on nurses' tuberculosis prevention practices. What this paper adds? Nurses in primary health care settings do not have adequate tuberculosis prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices to create optimally safe health care environments. The physical make‐up of N95 respirators are currently inadequate to promote its use among nurses in primary health care settings. While tuberculosis prevention knowledge is positively linked to tuberculosis prevention practices, it remains unclear what factors may moderate this relationship. The implications of this paper: Tuberculosis prevention practices among nurses remain suboptimal to curb tuberculosis infection in health care facilities. Better interventions aimed at improving tuberculosis prevention among nurses are needed. Such intervention will require a closer understanding of the influences on tuberculosis practices.