KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AMONG TEACHERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTRES IN THE SUHUM MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

Teachers in early childhood education centres are the epitome of care concerning infection prevention for young children in educational programmes. A comparative descriptive quantitative survey was used to assess the knowledge level, practice and resources availability for infection prevention in early childhood education centres in the Suhum Municipality. One hundred and sixty (160) teachers from 52 randomly selected early childhood centres; cretches, nurseries, day cares and kindergartens were ecruited for the study. The findings of the study revealed that both public and private school teachers in early childhood education centres have a good knowledge about infection prevention measures and control. Knowledge level on infection prevention is comparable between the two categories of teachers. However, this did not translate into practice. It was observed that most of the learning centres visited were overcrowded (exceeded GES recommended 28 children per a teacher ratio). There were also inadequate and inappropriate sanitary facilities in the studied early childhood education centres. Notwithstanding lack of resources, private schools had more resource than the public schools (p=0.001). It is recommended caregivers in childhood education centres receive adequate training on infection prevention before and during employment. The Ministry of Education and Ghana Health Service must ensure there are adequate sanitary facilities before approval is given for the running of the programme and regular monitoring to ensure their sustainability.