Factors Influencing Adherence to Standard Infection Control Precautions Among Prehospital Emergency Personnel

Background: The rising incidence of healthcare-associated infections underscores the need for strict adherence to standard precautions. The prehospital emergency service is the initial contact point for patients, where infection risks can start. This study was conducted to evaluate the factors influencing adherence to standard precautions among prehospital emergency personnel. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in ۲۰۲۳. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the compliance with standard precautions scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version ۲۵ and Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-square, Fisher exact test, and Spearman correlation. P<۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant. Results: This study of ۲۰۶ prehospital emergency personnel in Tehran found low compliance with standard precautions (mean score: ۱۳.۲۷±۳.۳۸). Standard precaution compliance was significantly and positively associated with marital status, history of health check-ups, history of exposure to body fluids, and the quality of personal protective equipment  (PPE), with higher compliance observed among individuals possessing these characteristics. No significant links were found with base type (urban/rural) or PPE access. Weak, non-significant correlations were observed with age (r=-۰.۰۳۱, P=۰.۶۶۸) and work experience (r=-۰.۰۷۵, P=۰.۲۹۲). Discussion: Given the low compliance with standard precautions among prehospital emergency personnel and the rise of emerging and antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases, developing specialized infection control policies and strategies tailored to prehospital emergency care is imperative. Conclusion: Improving adherence to standard precautions among prehospital emergency personnel is crucial. Strengthening the factors influencing adherence can enhance infection control from the initial stage of medical service delivery.

کلیدواژه ها:

Emergency medical services (EMS) ، Standard precautions ، Occupational hazards ، Infection control ، Compliance ، Personal protective equipment (PPE) ، Healthcare-associated infections