Factors related to the proper use of the N95 respirator in health workers

Authors

Keywords:

tuberculosis, infection control, health personnel, health facilities, respiratory protective devices

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a disease of interest in occupational health and there is a greater probability of infection and disease in health workers than in the general population. This happens as a consequence of exposure to occupational risk factors and the lack of implementation of tuberculosis control measures.

Objective: Determine the relationship of sociodemographic, occupational factors, knowledge and practices about tuberculosis with the appropriate use of the N95 respirator in health workers in a hospital in the city of Bogotá, Colombia.

Methods: Quantitative study and cross-sectional design. A simple random sampling stratified by occupation and work area was carried out. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used and were evaluated at a significance level of 5% (P<0.05).

Results: 250 health workers participated. The educational levels of university and postgraduate (P<0.001), the occupations of nurse, specialist doctor, general practitioner and bacteriologist (P<0.001), the work areas of hospitalization, adult intensive care and emergencies (P=0.034), were associated with the proper use of the N95 respirator. Correct knowledge about tuberculosis (P<0.001) was related to the proper use of the N95 respirator.

Conclusions: Through educational actions, it´s recommended to strengthen the knowledge and practices of health workers about tuberculosis and the proper use of the N95 respirator, especially towards the occupations of nursing assistant and other health assistants and technologists, given that statistically showed less adequate use of the N95 respirator

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Author Biography

Carlos Julio Saavedra Cantor, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Enfermero, Especlalista en Salud Ocupacional y Magíster en Salud y Seguridad en el Trabajo. Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

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Published

2024-02-12

How to Cite

1.
Saavedra Cantor CJ. Factors related to the proper use of the N95 respirator in health workers. rev cuban salud trabajo [Internet]. 2024 Feb. 12 [cited 2025 Jul. 6];25(2). Available from: https://revsaludtrabajo.sld.cu/index.php/revsyt/article/view/571

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Original articles