Practices of Laboratory Healthcare Professionals and Barriers towards Infection Control and its Related Factors in Primary Healthcare of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Clinical laboratories enhance the efficient provision of treatment in the intricate healthcare systems of today by offering diagnostic testing services. Laboratory healthcare professionals (HCPs) may be at risk from biological and chemical hazards when processing clinical material and using chemicals or radiation. However, if potential risks are identified, clear guidelines, safety regulations, and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are implemented and adhered to, the laboratory should be a safe place to work. Laboratory HCPs are exposed to a variety of risks since they handle a wide range of potentially hazardous materials. The study aimed: To assess the practices of laboratory HCPs towards safety, infection control, and its related factors in Primary healthcare of Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 laboratory HCPs in Primary healthcare of Makkah, Saudi Arabia from January to March 2024. Pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. SPSS version 28 was used to analyze the data, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was used. Results: The respondents' average age was 35.0 ± 2.45 years, and the majority was married (61.1%) and female (57.7%). Most (98.9%) showed a solid understanding of infection control. Hand washing was selected by 62.3% of respondents as the most crucial infection control measure, and the two diseases that respondents deemed most likely to be contracted were HIV and tuberculosis. Good practices were demonstrated by 84.6% of the responders in total. 98.1% of respondents cited the lack of personal protection equipment in the labs as a significant obstacle. The respondents demonstrated good infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice. Conclusion: The lack of personal protective equipment was the obstacle to infection management. In order to guarantee ongoing training and retraining together with the provision of personal protective equipment, coordinated efforts should be made.