Factors influencing self-reported facial-protective equipment adherence among home care nurses and personal support workers: A multisite cross-sectional study

• Published in: American journal of infection control 2024-10, Vol.52 (10), p.1105-1113
• Main Authors: King, Emily C., Van Belle, Travis A., Zagrodney, Katherine A.P., McKay, Sandra M., Giosa, Justine, Holubiec, Irene, Holness, D. Linn, Nichol, Kathryn A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; COVID-19 - prevention & control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eye protection; Female; Guideline Adherence - statistics & numerical data; Health care workers; Home Care Services; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nurses; Nurses - psychology; Ontario; Personal Protective Equipment - statistics & numerical data; Personal Protective Equipment - supply & distribution; Respiratory protection; SARS-CoV-2; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.06.005

Facial-protective equipment (FPE) use increased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study explored factors influencing home care personal support workers’ (PSWs) and nurses’ self-reported adherence to FPE. A cross-sectional, electronic, survey was distributed to PSWs and nurses (1,108 complete responses) at 3 home care agencies in Ontario, Canada, in May to June 2022. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analysis were used to assess individual, environmental, and organizational factors influencing adherence. Among participants (786 PSWs, 322 nurses), 64% reported being adherent to both respiratory and eye FPE (Respiratory: 96%, Eye: 64%). Higher adherence was associated with facility-based work; better knowledge of FPE; prepandemic FPE use; good availability and convenient access; strong organizational support for health and safety; and Caribbean identity. Lower adherence was found for men; nurses with 2-year diplomas; shorter length of employment; communal transportation; and experiencing negative mental health effects from workplace infectious disease exposure. Agencies should prioritize increasing providers’ knowledge of FPE, supporting mental well-being, fostering a supportive culture, and ensuring availability of FPE. The influences of gender, ethnicity, and role require further exploration. FPE adherence may be improved by addressing modifiable factors and developing population-specific strategies. •Participants’ self-reported facial-protective equipment (FPE) adherence rate was 64%.•A focus on workers’ knowledge and mental well-being may improve adherence.•Adherence may rise with increasing FPE availability and health and safety support.•Gender, ethnicity, and role results suggest areas for future research and promotion.