DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess the knowledge, attitudes regarding hygienic and personal protective practices and to evaluate the factors associated with the knowledge regarding use of PPE among medical college students.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study using non-probability consecutive sampling. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data from undergraduate medical students. The questionnaire comprised sections on demographic profile, knowledge towards PPE use, and attitudes towards PPE use. Data was analyzed using SPSS-20, with frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests applied.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Develop Self-Administered Questionnaire"] --> B["Obtain Ethical Approval"];
    B --> C["Recruit Medical Students"];
    C --> D["Administer Online Questionnaire"];
    D --> E["Collect and Enter Data"];
    E --> F["Analyze Data using SPSS-20"];
    F --> G["Interpret Results"];
    G --> H["Formulate Conclusions and Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights a knowledge deficit in medical students regarding PPE, particularly in areas like correct donning and doffing procedures, and the reuse of masks and gloves. This aligns with previous research indicating that inadequate training contributes to non-compliance. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of proper PPE use, necessitating improved training for medical students to protect both themselves and patients.

Key Findings

- 58% of respondents were in their 1st-3rd year of MBBS, and 42% were in their 4th and final year.
- 68% of respondents were female, and 32% were male.
- 84% agreed that the main goal of infection control is to prevent infection among patients and healthcare workers.
- 79% had knowledge regarding the correct duration of hand washing (20 seconds).
- 34% agreed that the use of gloves replaced the need for hand washing.
- 78% had knowledge that hand washing is indicated after removal of gloves.
- 92% knew that PPE provides a barrier against infection.
- 53% and 48% had correct knowledge regarding donning and doffing of PPE, respectively.
- 50% strongly agreed towards the correct use of PPE and hand hygiene.

Conclusion

The levels of self-reported PPE information and infection prevention and control training are sub-optimal in medical students. This deficiency significantly correlates with COVID-19-related anxiety. There is a paramount need for rapid, adapted training to ensure medical students are proficient with PPE and IPC to prevent further transmission of infectious diseases.

Fact Check

- The study was conducted from March to May 2021.
- A total of 289 undergraduate medical students participated in the study.
- 79% of students knew that the minimum period for hand washing is 20 seconds.

Mind Map