Challenges of Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Standard Procedures among Healthcare Workers: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Majani Edward, Witness John, Elton Mahulu, Jennifer F Lyabangi, Odilia Nkumba, Daniel Basaya, Zakia Kibanda, Grace Gwanafyo, Henrick Kitenga and Ipyana Daniel

Introduction: This hospital-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess the compliance of 251 healthcare workers (HCWs) with Infective Prevention and Control (IPC) standard procedures. The study addresses the critical issue of IPC compliance among HCWs, as it plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission within healthcare settings.

Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Francis Referral Hospital, involving 251 healthcare workers from different departments including Internal medicine, Surgery, and Emergency. The Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS) tool developed by WHO was used. Descriptive and regression analysis was done. A P-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: Overall average compliance with IPCSPs was 54% whereby only 24.7% (62/251) of healthcare workers had a good compliance. The majority of HCWs (85.3%) reported highest compliance on proper disposal of used sharp items into sharp boxes and low compliance rate (11.6%) was on the disposal of the sharp box, sharp box is only disposed when it is full. Statistically significant were found between IPCSPs and number of years of working experience, level of education, profession, IPC training and IPC meeting attendance.

Conclusion: This cross-sectional study has shed light on the critical challenges faced by healthcare workers in complying with IPCSPs. Findings revealed a concerning compliance with IPCSPs which is below the WHO standard and national level standard as well. We therefore recommend enhancement of IPC training program, IPC awareness campaign, and more implementational research for IPCSPs compliance.

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