Nurses Practice Regarding Infection Control Measures during The Second Stage of Labor: A Multicenter Study

Abstract

Context: Infection prevention remains a significant public health challenge for healthcare systems, especially in maternity and delivery units. Good understanding and compliance of nurses with infection control measures during delivery are essential factors that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality.
Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses' practice regarding infection control measures during the second stage of labor in multiple centers.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study was adopted in this study. The study population included all nurses working in labor rooms of four hospitals (100 nurses), namely Suez Canal University Hospital, Zagazig University Hospital, Ismailia General Hospital, And Zagazig General Hospital. The data collection tool encompassed a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess nurses' general characteristics, physical and organizational barriers that prevent nurses from complying with infection control measures, infection control practice checklist to assess nurses` compliance with infection control measures during the second stage of labor.

Results: The highest percentage of the studied nurses' age was between 19-<29 (56.6%, 63.8%). Near half were technical nurses (43.4%, 44.7%). The majority of the studied nurses had not had periodic checks. Also, most of them were vaccinated against viral hepatitis B (86.8%, 91.5%). There was a statistically significant difference between Ismalia and Zagazig hospitals in physical barriers. The highest mean percentage for infection control practice was for perineal care at 100%, using the invasive device during labor at 92%, and preparing the birthing room and its equipment at 75.9%. A satisfactory infection control practice was revealed among 88% of the studied nurses. The satisfactory practice of nurses was 100%, 92.1%, 86.9%, and 44.1% in Zagazig General Hospital, Ismalia University Hospital, Zagazig University Hospital, and Ismalia General Hospital, respectively.

Conclusion: The result of the study concluded that most nurses' practice regarding infection control in the delivery room was satisfactory. The study recommended upgrading and qualifying nurses in the labor room to improve their practical skills in Obstetric Nursing.