Knowledge, attitudes and practices on Infection Prevention and Control among health workers at Health Centre IIIs in Kabarole District

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare workers have lost their lives in significant numbers in the discharge of their duties as a result of a breach in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures. The increasing incidence of emerging and re-emerging diseases complicates this burden by causing diseases, suffering and death. Knowledge, attitude and practices on infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures among healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial for effective IPC. Compliance with IPC measures has critical implications for HCWs safety, pa tient protection and the care environment. Study objective: The study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices on infection prevention and control among health workers at health Centre IIIs in Kabarole district so as to develop interventions that can be used to address this important public concern. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study, utilizing quantitative methods of data collection tools. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with open ended, close ended questions and check lists among health workers at health Centre IIIs. Sample sizes of 160 health workers were interviewed; Univariate analysis was done to analyse the quantitative data. Results: A total of 160 health workers were interviewed; (28.1%, 45/160) were males and (71.9 %, 115/160) were females. The maximum age of health workers was 59 and the minimum was 20 years. Half of the health workers (50%, 80/160) were within the age bracket of 30 - 39 years. Most health workers (57.5%, 92/160) had attained certificate level of education. Majority of the health workers were enrolled nurses; (31.9%, 51/160). Most health workers (71.9%, 115/160) had clinical work experience of above (7) seven years, (3.7%, 6/160) had less than 1 year. All respondents, (100%, 160/160) had ever heard about infection prevention and control. Slightly more than half of the partcipants 51.3%(82/160) had poor knowledge on IPC measures, majority 78.1% (125/160) showed a postive attitude and more than two-fifths 44.4% (71/160) exhibited poor practices related to IPC. Conclusion: The study concluded that the main activities that constituted the infection prevention and control in health Centre III of Kabarole district that included hand hygiene, use of PPEs, health facility environment, as well as health procedures such as medical, surgi cal among others. The findings from the study suggest that slightly more than half of the partcipants 51.3%(82/160) had poor knowledge on IPC measures, majority 78.1% (125/160) showed a postive attitude and more than two-fifths 44.4% (71/160) exhibited poor practices xiv related to IPC. There is therefore need for adequate training of health workers on Infection Prevention and control at healthcare facilities as well as support supervision to ensure com pliance with IPC measures.