Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of infection prevention and control among radiographers in Mulago Referral Hospital

Abstract

Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are vital in healthcare, especially in radiology departments where radiographers ensure patient and staff safety. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of radiographers at Mulago Referral Hospital regarding IPC measures, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study involved 60 radiographers through a descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The results indicated a high level of awareness of standard infection prevention protocols, with 81.67% of participants familiar with precautions that include personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene. Furthermore, 88.33% recognized the importance of hand hygiene, and 96.6% reported daily cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, underscoring their commitment to IPC. However, significant barriers to IPC practices were identified, particularly the inadequacy of PPE and resources, making it challenging for radiographers to adhere to IPC standards. This highlights the need for ongoing support and resource provision. To enhance IPC measures at Mulago Referral Hospital, the study recommends continuous education and training for healthcare workers, improved access to PPE, regular audits of IPC practices, and fostering a culture of compliance through feedback and recognition. Implementing these strategies will contribute to a safer healthcare environment, protecting both patients and healthcare workers from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).