Use of personal protective equipment among nurses in the pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination periods^*

Objective: compare the use of personal protective equipment among nurses in the pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination periods in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

Method: cross-sectional, analytical study with nurses from the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Data collection in two periods (pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination), online, using a survey instrument. Descriptive and comparative analyses. Comparative analysis of variables for combined use of personal protective equipment in direct care and aerosol-generating procedures for people with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 using the Z-test for proportions.

Results: participation of 579 nurses in period 1 and 734 nurses in period 2. Gloves, face shield, N95 mask, surgical cap, and gown were the pieces of equipment most used by nurses in the care of people with suspected and/or diagnosed COVID-19. The combined use of personal protective equipment was higher in the pre-vaccination period compared with post-vaccination period.

Conclusion: combined use of personal protective equipment by nurses decreased after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, it is necessary to implement educational strategies and trainings on the proper use of these pieces of equipment.

Descriptors:
Personal Protective Equipment; Nurses; COVID-19; Pandemics; Personal Protection; Disease Prevention

Highlights:

(1) Study with nurses in the pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination periods. (2) Gloves, N95 mask, surgical cap, gown and face shield were the most used PPE. (3) Combined use of PPE was lower in the post-COVID-19 vaccination period.