Compliance to infection prevention, control precautions, guidelines and influencing factors among healthcare workers in health facilities of Kampala Capital City Authority Uganda

Abstract

Introduction. In health facilities across the world, hospital-acquired diseases have emerged as a major danger to patient safety and healthcare staff productivity. They result from low compliance with IPC guidelines and precautions by healthcare workers. Studies have highlighted low compliance to IPC guidelines by healthcare workers during pandemics, but few have been done to assess compliance in non-outbreak times. This study assessed the level of knowledge, perceptions and compliance to IPC precautions and guidelines and influencing factors among healthcare workers outside pandemics times in health care facilities of Kampala Capital city health facilities. Methodology. The study was a cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection among 129 health care workers in four health facilities in Kampala Capital city. The Study participants were selected using stratified sampling method.5 key informant interviews were conducted among purposively selected heads of different units within the selected health facilities. Data collection was done using a self-administered structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews. Data was analyzed descriptively using Stata version 14 and then presented into tables and graphs. Results. We interviewed 129 participants, 56.6% of whom were females, with a mean of30.61 years (SD ± 6.44). Majority were registered nurses, 26.4% (34), and average years of working experience was 6.78 years (SD ±5.64).A big proportion (78%, 101) of the healthcare workers presented with good knowledge and positive perceptions, 85% (101), on IPC compliance. There was good overall IPC compliance, with 85% (101) self-reporting good practice. Factors influencing IPC compliance among HCWs in Kampala included HCWs involvement in planning, strong leadership structures, clear protocols, and regular training. Barriers to IPC compliance were limited supply of PPE and negative perception towards IPC. Conclusion. The study found that most healthcare workers generally had good knowledge and positive perceptions towards IPC. It also revealed that most of the HCWs have a good level of overall IPC practice. Some recommendations to improve IPC compliance included appreciation of workers for continual compliance, having regular training exercises on IPC and ensuring adequate supply of IPC equipment at the facilities