OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the scores of adherence to standard precautions (PP) by nursing professionals who worked in inpatient units of a university hospital in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). METHODS: This was a transversal, quantitative, comparative study, using a psychometric scale to measure adherence to PP, developed by Gershon et al., (1995), translated and validated by Brevidelli and Cianciarullo (2009), that was conducted between September 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010, with 256 nursing professionals. RESULTS: Findings indicated that 152 (59.4%) professionals presented higher mean scores for adherence to PP, equal to or greater than 4.5; 98 (38.3%) had intermediate scores between 3.5 and 4.49; and, six (2.3%) had low scores, i.e., below 3.5. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between the scores and other variables, however, results highlighted the importance of the positive result encountered due to the continuing education actions within the institution.
Universal precautions; Occupational risks; Nursing, team
