Factors Predisposing Health Workers to Nosocomial Infections at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration……………………………………………………………………….i

Dedication………………………………………………………………………..ii

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………….…iii

Abstract……….……………………………………………………………….…iv

Table of contents…………………………………………………………………vi

List of tables………………………………………………………………….…..viii

List of figures…………………………………………………………..…………viii

List of acronyms…………………………………………………………………..ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION………………………………………….1

1.1 Background information……………………………………………….....1

1.2 Problem statement………………………………………………………...2

1.3 Study objectives………………………………………………………......3

1.3.1 Broad objectives…………………………………………………………..3

1.3.2 Specific objectives……………….…………………………….………….3

1.4 Significance of the study…………………………………………...……..3

1.5 Research questions…………………………………………………….….4

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………..5

2.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………….….5

2.1 The Risks of Nosocomial Infections………………………………………5

2.2 Transmission of HCAIs…………………………………………………..6

2.3 Nosocomial infection Prevention and Control……………………………7

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY……………………………………… 11

3.0 Introduction.………………………………………………………………11

3.1 Study area………………………………………………………….……...11

3.2 Study population………………………………………………………..... 11

3.3 Study design………………………………………………………….........11

3.4 Sample size determination…………………………………………………12

3.5 Sampling method……………………………………………………......... 12

3.6.1 Inclusion criteria……………........................................................................12

3.6.2 Exclusion criteria…………………………………………………………...12

3.7 Data collection methods…………………………….……..…………….. ..13

3.8 Data analysis methods………………………………………………...........14

3.9 Data quality control…………………………………………………….…..14

3.10 Data presentation methods …………………………………………….......14

3.11 Study limitations……………………………………………………………15

3.12 Ethical considerations………………………………………………….........15

CHAPTER FOUR: ……………………...……….…………………………………16

4.0 General Introduction……………………………………………………………16

4.1 Bio Data………………………………………………………………………...16

4.2 Level of Awareness of respondents on Nosocomial Infection………………….19

4.3 Attitudes and Risks of Respondents towards Nosocomial Infection……………22

4.3 IC Practices Used by Respondents and their compliance with these Practices….24

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION …………………………………………………..27

5.0 Discussion of results……………………………………………………………..27

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………...…30

6.1 Conclusions……………………………………………………………………...30

6.2 Recommendations…………………………………………………………….…31

References………………………………………………………………………………32

Appendix 1: Research questionnaire………………………………………….………...33

Appendix 2: Proposed budget…………………………………………………………..41

ABSTRACT Introduction Occupational infections particularly hospital-acquired infections are a serious problem in the healthcare industry worldwide. Health care workers are often exposed and are at risk of acquiring nosocomial infections during the process of providing health care. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to investigate the factors predisposing health workers to nosocomial infections at KIUTH. Methodology A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among health workers at KIUTH. A total of 90 respondents were interviewed using questionnaires by random sampling. Principal Findings The study found out that the most common NIs among the health care workers were RTIs (65.5%), the greatest risk factor for acquiring a nosocomial infection was insufficient equipment (43.3%), 86.6% of the respondents used personal protective equipment always, 48.9% of the respondents found hand hygiene as the infection control practice easiest to use, 90% of the respondents were motivated by personal safety and 50% did not comply with infection control measures due to inadequate supplies. Conclusions/Recommendations In conclusion, the health care workers at KIUTH were aware of the aspects concerning NIs. The most common occupational infection occurring among HCWs were RTIs, specifically TB and the most common risk factor for acquiring a nosocomial infection is insufficient equipment and lack of infection control guidelines.