Factors Influencing Adherence to Infection Control Measures among Healthcare Workers at Health Centres in Koboko District.

Abstract

According to Jarvis (2003), Infection control refers to the policies and procedures aimed at reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in a healthcare setting. The study was conducted on factors influencing adherence to infection control measures among healthcare workers at health centres in Koboko district. General objective: The study was to assess factors influencing adherence to infection control measures among healthcare workers at health centres in Koboko district. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study was used to establish the individual, availability of supplies and health system factors influencing adherence to infection control measures among healthcare workers at health centres in Koboko district. In this study 114 respondents were interviewed which included different cadres of healthcare workers. 13 health centres were used as the unit of analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used. Structured self administered questionnaires were used to obtain quantitative data which was analyzed using SPSS soft ware Version 16.0 at descriptive levels; key informant interviews and observation checklists were administered to obtain qualitative data. Results Non adherence to infection control measures stood at 47.5%. Hand washing was found to be the outstanding IC measure known to the respondents. However, lack of water facilities, PPE, medical supplies and other consumables required in the implementation of infection control measures were found to be major hindrances to infection control measures. Recommendation There should be a regular supply of materials such as PPE so as to increase adherence to infection control measures, supervision on infection control practices among healthcare workers and recruitment of more human resource for health in accordance with the number of people served.