Knowledge, Attitude and Use of Personal Protective Equipment among Medical Laboratory Health Workers in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Medical laboratory health workers are exposed to occupational hazards through frequent contact with blood, body fluids, laboratory specimens, and contaminated equipment. Appropriate use of personal protective equipment is an important component of infection prevention and occupational safety. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and use of personal protective equipment among medical laboratory health workers in a tertiary healthcare institution in Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 medical laboratory health workers at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of personal protective equipment, attitude towards its use, and self-reported practice. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: All 152 respondents participated in the study. Females accounted for 61.2% of respondents, and 48.0% were aged 30–39 years. Overall, 99% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of personal protective equipment, while 84% had a good attitude towards its use. Good practice was reported among 59% of respondents, whereas 41% had poor practice. Attitude towards personal protective equipment was significantly associated with age, gender, educational status, and department. Practice of personal protective equipment use was significantly associated with department. Although respondents generally demonstrated good knowledge, gaps were identified in some aspects of practice, including glove-changing behaviour and laboratory coat use. Conclusion: Medical laboratory health workers in this study had a high level of knowledge and generally positive attitudes towards personal protective equipment. However, practice gaps remained. Regular training, adequate availability of protective equipment, and workplace supervision are needed to improve compliance with infection prevention and occupational safety measures.