Assessment of Personal Protective Practices Among Veterinary Students During Clinical Rotations in Lagos State

Veterinary students undergoing clinical rotations encounter a range of zoonotic pathogens and are considered an occupationally at-risk group who must adopt adequate personal protective practices from the outset of their careers. This study assessed the level of personal protective practice compliance among veterinary students during clinical rotations at two veterinary teaching hospitals in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. An observational study combined with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 120 students at various stages of clinical training. The questionnaire assessed knowledge of standard precautions, types of zoonotic risks encountered, and personal protective equipment usage. Observational sessions across ten clinical rotation days documented actual practice. Results showed a moderate level of knowledge but poor behavioral compliance, with only 44.2% of students consistently wearing gloves during animal handling, and fewer than 20% using face masks when indicated. Students reported barriers including equipment unavailability, inconvenience, and inadequate faculty enforcement. The study concludes that a training-practice gap exists among veterinary students regarding personal protective behaviors and that this gap may persist into professional practice. Recommendations include mandatory provision of personal protective equipment at teaching hospitals, integration of occupational safety into veterinary curricula, and faculty modeling of correct protective practices. Keywords: veterinary students, personal protective equipment, occupational health, clinical training, Lagos State