“Assessment of perceived compliance and barriers to PPE use among
healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic’s second wave surge.
“Lessons to be learned” cross-sectional correlational study
Abstract
There is strong desire among healthcare workers (HCWs) to use proper
personal protective equipment (PPEs) due to their close proximity with
COVID-19 patients. Jordan has no data on compliance and adherence to
these infection prevention control (IPC) guidelines.Aim: Investigating
HCWs’ level of perceived compliance and barriers with PPEs, as well as
influencing factors, to identify strategies to be implemented in order
to address the rise in healthcare worker infection rates. Methodology:
This was a cross-sectional correlational study conducted over one month
period during the ‘second wave’ surge. It consists of HCWs from various
hospital sectors who admit COVID-19 patients in Jordan’s three major
geographical areas. A nonrandom convenient sample was recruited to
complete a self-administered predesigned tool via online. Results: Of
the 285 recruited participants, 36.1% had previously been diagnosed
with COVID-19. Around 71% received training on PPEs use. The perceived
compliance was good for (PPEs) usage (mean 2.60 ± 1.10). A significant
higher compliance level was correlated with previous diagnosis with
COVID-19, working with patients diagnosed with COVID-19and having a
direct contact with a family member older than 45 years old
(p<0.01). The main perceived barriers to the use of PPEs
during patient care were: unavailability of full PPEs every time they
needed (35% ), interference with their ability to provide patient care
(29%), no enough time to comply with the rigors of PPEs (23.2%) and
working in emergency situation (22.5%). With regards to perceived
barriers those working with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 reported
significantly higher levels of barriers and those who reported having a
direct contact with a family member older than 45 years old showed
significantly higher level of barriers.Conclusion: To limit further
transmission, a series of interventions in healthcare organizations are
required, including prioritization of PPE procurement, training, and
monitoring to ensure adequate resources for IPC