The Practice of Universal Precautions among Surgical Residents at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Universal precaution guidelines though effective in preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens from patients to health care personnel are not fully implemented. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the level of compliance with universal precaution guidelines, among a group of surgical residents and to identify the factors affecting such compliance. Method: A structured questionnaire was administered to 62 surgical residents of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to determine the level of compliance with universal precautions from January to February 2013. Result: A total of 62 doctors, made up of 16 senior and 46 junior residents participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 33 ±3.6 years. All agreed that universal precautions are vital to the practice of surgery. The most frequently observed measure in relation to surgical procedures was washing of hands, observed always by 58 (93.5%) respondents while the least observed was wearing of protective eye wear, observed always by 5 (8.0%) respondents. The most common factor limiting strict observance of universal precautions was the non availability of protective materials in 46 (74.2 %) respondents. Fifty seven (91.9%) strictly practised universal precautions only when the risk status of the patient was high. Only twenty three (37.1%) respondents were fully immunized against Hepatitis B virus.Conclusion: The practice of universal precautions is not strict among the surgical residents in the study centre. There is need to provide more personal protective materials and to encourage active immunization against Hepatitis B virus.Keywords: Universal precautions, Practice, Residents, surger