EVIDENCE-BASED EXPLORATION OF INFECTION PREVENTION PRACTICES AMONG HEMODIALYSIS NURSES

This study determined the infection prevention practices among hemodialysis nurses in private and government dialysis centers in Eastern Pangasinan. It tackled their age, sex, civil status, highest educational attainment, number of years in hemodialysis centers, relevant training for the past two years, and category of health facility. The study utilized the quantitative and qualitative research design, as well as a survey questionnaire and structured interview guide questions, as the primary tools for gathering data. In terms of the qualitative aspect, the narration of the responses was noted down. In the quantitative aspect, several statistical tools were used, such as frequency and percentage, weighted mean, t-test, Scheffe test, and ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). The nurse respondents were young adults, female-dominated, bachelor's degree holders, had been in the dialysis center for 3-4 years, had attended a few numbers of seminars, and were employed in private dialysis centers. The extent of nurses' practices in the prevention of nosocomial infection among hemodialysis patients is highest during hemodialysis, followed by after hemodialysis, and lowest before dialysis. Significant differences were noted in terms of age, civil status, and number of years in service. The age of nurses affects their practices in preventing nosocomial infection among hemodialysis patients before, during, and after hemodialysis. Married nurses significantly provide a higher level of practice in preventing nosocomial infection than single nurses. The number of years of service affects the practices of nurses in preventing nosocomial infection after hemodialysis. The lower the level of the highest educational attainment of the nurses, the more they practice the proper prevention of nosocomial infection before, during, and after hemodialysis. It implies that even those who have a bachelor's degree render the correct practices in the prevention of nosocomial infection.