Assessment of compliance with standard precautions and associated factors among nursing students

Background: In the context of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, compliance with standard precautions among nursing students is particularly noteworthy to reduce hospital-acquired infections and ensure patient safety. Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the level of compliance with standard precautions among nursing students and (2) to identify factors associated with compliance with standard precautions among nursing students. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Danang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy on 187 bachelor nursing students who were studying full-time. The Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS) developed by Lam (2011) was used to assess compliance with standard precautions. Results: The overall compliance rate of the respondents was 67.2%. A statistical difference was revealed in compliance with standard precautions in terms of the year in the program (p = 0.019) and sharps injuries (p = 0.039). Also, there was a negative correlation between compliance and perceived barriers to standard precaution (r = -0.211, p = 0.004). Conclusion: The findings clarify that the level of compliance with standard precautions among nursing students is moderate. In order to increase the level of compliance, education strategies are needed to improve knowledge and skills and reduce perceived barriers. Key words: standard precautions, nursing student, compliance, associated factor.