Assessment of knowledge attitude and practice of quality assurance amongst non-physician medical laboratory staff of tertiary hospitals in northern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Quality assurance is essential in every health institution, particularly in a laboratory setting to achieve and maintain quality, reliable and dependable test results. Despite the reports of compliance in some laboratories in Nigeria, it suffers serious challenges. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of quality assurance among non-physician pathology laboratory staff of tertiary hospitals in northern Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among 103 non-physician medical laboratory staff working in different pathology laboratories in the study area. Mean values and proportions of Knowledge, attitude and practice was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and was classified as good or poor using the modified Bloom's criteria. T-test and Chi-square were used to test level of significance in observations at 95% confidence level.

Results: 87.4% had good knowledge, 78.6% had good attitude and 73.5% had good practice of quality assurance in their health facilities. Mean score for practice was higher (4.64±1.83), compared to knowledge (2.39±0.69) and attitude (1.99±0.72). Knowledge, attitude, and practice were associated with work experience and increased with it, while age of participants was only associated with practice (p=0.023). Highest level of knowledge, attitude and practice was observed in respondents with 21-30 years of working experience. Factors associated with good knowledge attitude and practice was Adherence to ISO, SON policies (p=0.002), regular training and re-training of personnel (p=0.001), regular accreditation by regulatory bodies (p=0.003), and higher working experience ( 0.023). The major challenge to practice of quality assurance was inadequate/lack of training of staff on quality assurance.

Conclusion: There is high level of knowledge, good attitude and practice of quality assurance among non-physician medical laboratory staff of tertiary hospitals in northern Nigeria. Similar studies is recommended in other region of the country.