Equipamentos de proteção individual utilizados por profissionais de enfermagem em centros de material e esterilização

Objective: To verify the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by Nursing professionals in Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD). Method: Quantitative study conducted with 50 professionals in two hospitals of Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, with the application of a semi-structured questionnaire. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, CAEE number 47355315.3.0000.5183. Results: Among the participants, 96% are female, 36% have technical nursing courses, and 58% report having more than 10 years of experience. As to the use of PPE, 74% use it frequently, 40% consider it to have low quality, 50% think it is unnecessary, and 68% do not adjust to the activities. Seventy-four percent of the professionals were exposed to occupational risk. The training reached 66% of the interviewees, and 98% recognized its importance. Conclusion: The results indicate that professionals do not use PPE regularly, and are therefore exposed to risk. It is important to emphasize the need to provide continuous education in order to increase the awareness regarding care.