Attitudes, knowledge and practices of healthcare workers regarding occupational exposure of pulmonary tuberculosis

Background: Healthcare-associated tuberculosis (TB) has become a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs are inevitably exposed to TB, due to frequent interaction with patients with undiagnosed and potentially contagious TB. Whenever there is a possibility of exposure, implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is critical.Objective: Following a high incidence of TB among HCWs at Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho, a study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs regarding healthcare-associated TB infection and infection controls.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in June 2011; it involved HCWs at Maluti Adventist Hospital who were involved with patients and/or sputum. Stratified sampling of 140 HCWs was performed, of whom, 129 (92.0%) took part. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used.Results: Most respondents (89.2%) had appropriate knowledge of transmission, diagnosis and prevention of TB; however, only 22.0% of the respondents knew the appropriate method of sputum collection. All of the respondents (100.0%) were motivated and willing to implement IPC measures. A significant proportion of participants (36.4%) reported poor infection control practices, with the majority of inappropriate practices being the administrative infection controls (> 80.0%). Only 38.8% of the participants reported to be using the appropriate N-95 respirator.Conclusion: Poor infection control practices regarding occupational TB exposure were demonstrated, the worst being the first-line administrative infection controls. Critical knowledge gaps were identified; however, there was encouraging willingness by HCWs to adapt to recommended infection control measures. Healthcare workers are inevitably exposed to TB, due to frequent interaction with patients with undiagnosed and potentially contagious TB. Implementation of infection prevention and control practices is critical whenever there is a possibility of exposure.

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Improving knowledge, attitudes and practice to prevent COVID-19 transmission in healthcare workers and the public in Thailand

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10768-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rapeephan R. Maude ◽

Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽

Sumawadee Skuntaniyom ◽

Thanomvong Muntajit ◽

Stuart D. Blacksell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Public ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

The Public ◽

Educational Videos ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Key infection prevention and control measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 include social distancing, hand hygiene, use of facemasks and personal protective equipment. However, these have limited or no impact if not applied correctly through lack of knowledge, inappropriate attitude or incorrect practice. In order to maximise the impact of infection prevention and control measures on COVID-19 spread, we undertook a study to assess and improve knowledge, attitudes and practice among 119 healthcare workers and 100 general public in Thailand. The study setting was two inpatient hospitals providing COVID-19 testing and treatment. Detailed information on knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. Results Knowledge of the main transmission routes, commonest symptoms and recommended prevention methods was mostly very high (> 80%) in both groups. There was lower awareness of aerosols, food and drink and pets as sources of transmission; of the correct duration for handwashing; recommended distance for social/physical distancing; and about recommended types of face coverings. Information sources most used and most trusted were the workplace, work colleagues, health workers and television. The results were used to produce a set of targeted educational videos which addressed many of these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting in a number of areas. This included improvements in handwashing practice with an increase in the number of areas correctly washed in 65.5% of the public, and 57.9% of healthcare workers. The videos were then further optimized with feedback from participants followed by another round of retesting. Conclusions Detailed information on gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. This was used to produce targeted educational videos which addressed these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting. The resulting videos were then disseminated as a resource to aid in efforts to fight COVID-19 in Thailand and worldwide.

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Healthcare Workers' Challenges in the Implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mozambique

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0114364 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. e114364 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Miranda Brouwer ◽

Eliana Coelho ◽

Carla das Dores Mosse ◽

Luciana Brondi ◽

Laura Winterton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Control Measures ◽

Tuberculosis Infection ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

And Control

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The Saudi Infection Control Guidance for Re-opening Dental Services in Governmental and Private Sectors During Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic

The Open Dentistry Journal ◽

10.2174/1874210602115010064 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 64-70

Author(s):

Ali AlAhdal ◽

Haila Al-Huraishi ◽

Ahmad Almalag ◽

Adel Alrusayes ◽

Saud M Orfali

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Infection Control ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Dental Treatment ◽

Dental Health ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Dental Services ◽

And Control

Objective: Novel newly discovered coronavirus, also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is a recently emerging virus that has been rapidly spreading globally since December 2019. Due to the vicinity inoro-dental treatment and aerosol production, people inside the dental office are at high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This guideline aims to protect the dental health-care workers during their plans to re-open and increasingly continue their routine services until further notice from their governing body. Methods: A panel of experts in dentistry and infection prevention and control reviewed the local and global research and guidelines related to infection prevention and control during coronavirus disease-2019, along with the re-opening guidance provided by different entities. Results: Such a document might either be adopted or adapted to any regional and international organization that wishes to use a revised professional guideline in infection prevention and control dental services. Conclusion: A careful re-opening plan should be developed and implemented, including strict infection control measures before resuming the dental practice.

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Impact of Infection Prevention and Control Education Program on Improving Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the Healthcare Staff in Hemodialysis Unit at Egyptian Tertiary Care Facility

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health ◽

10.9734/ajmah/2019/v14i430109 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Marwa Ahmed Abdelwahab ◽

Eman Abdel Raheem Labah ◽

Laila Mahmoud Sayed ◽

Mohamed Mokhtar Elbedwey ◽

Heba Mohamed Gabr

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Education Program ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Hemodialysis Unit ◽

Control Education ◽

And Control

Objective: Infection is a leading cause of hospitalization and the second most common cause of mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of infection prevention and control education program on improving healthcare workers knowledge, attitude and practices and reducing incidence of infection in the hemodialysis unit. Methodology: All patients and healthcare workers in the unit within the study period were included. This study was conducted through 3 phases; Phase I: base line survey for assessment of infection prevention and control knowledge, attitude and practices among healthcare workers, Phase II: Intervention that included infection control standardized education program followed by post education survey. Phase III: Implementation of infection control program was done associated with assessment of blood born viruses (HCV, HBV & HIV) and monitoring patients for fever and/or local signs of inflammation at catheter exit or at skin around shunt to be subjected to blood culture. Results: Health care workers knowledge, attitude and practices of infection prevention and control before intervention were unsatisfactory followed by significant improvement reflecting the effectiveness of such interventions. Regarding incidence of infection there were three cases of blood stream infections; two of them were multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) and no reported cases of seroconverion for HIV, HCV or HBV during study period. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about infection prevention and control practices in hemodialysis unit could be significantly improved by standardized education program which results in reducing incidence of infections in such units.

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Improvement in Infection Prevention and Control Measures at The Children Hospital, Lahore. A My Child Matters Collaborative Project

Journal of Global Oncology ◽

10.1200/jgo.18.90400 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽

pp. 223s-223s

Author(s):

M. Faizan ◽

S. Anwar ◽

R.U.A. Kashif ◽

R. Saleem ◽

H. Javed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Infection Control ◽

Pediatric Cancer ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Improvement Strategy ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Healthcare Associated ◽

And Control

Background: Overcrowding, lack of operational funds, and healthcare associated infections are major challenges at the Children Hospital Lahore, a public healthcare facility in Pakistan with 900 new pediatric cancer admissions annually. In 2014, a collaboration between My Child Matters (MCM), St. Jude Global Infectious Diseases Program (SJ-GID), and our institution was established to address these issues. Aim: To describe the effect of a collaborative improvement strategy on the infection prevention and control (IPC) standards in a pediatric oncology unit in a resource-limited setting. Methods: Our study was a prospective before-and-after study. We compare the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) and 4 modules of the St. Jude modified Infection Control Assessment Tool (ICAT) scores. Our strategy included: (1) creating a multidisciplinary team of pediatric hematology-oncology, infectious disease physicians, nurses, microbiologist, and a data manager, (2) engaging on monthly online IPC mentoring sessions with the SJ-GID and MCM mentors, (3) performing daily inpatient healthcare associated (HAI) surveillance rounds, and (4) providing regular hand hygiene training and compliance audits. Results: Our hand hygiene facility level per WHO scores increased from “Inadequate” during the baseline assessment to “Intermediate/Consolidation” by the end of 3-year implementation (122 vs 352 HHSAF scores). The sink: bed and hand sanitizer: bed ratios improved to 1:6 and 1:1 respectively. Six washrooms were added to our unit. ICAT general infection control module increased by 40% (45 vs 78 ICAT score) and hygiene compliance improved by 20% from baseline. Identification of HAI increased from baseline (4.07 vs 8.7 infections per 1000 patient days). A 25% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Conclusion: Implementing a collaborative improvement strategy improved the IPC standards in our pediatric cancer center. The increase of HAI might be a result of a better surveillance and laboratory identification. Further targeted interventions should be develop to decrease HAI rates and infection-related morbidity and mortality in our population.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of healthcare workers Towards Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council ◽

10.33314/jnhrc.v18i2.2658 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 293-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Prabina Ghimire ◽

Samriddh Dhungel ◽

Anil Pokhrel

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Concern ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

And Control ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: The emergence of SARS-CoV 2 pandemic is the greatest public health concern of the century. Healthcare workers are the front liners of pandemic management. Their knowledge, attitudes and practices can influence the outcome of pandemic. The study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices among healthcare workers.Methods: Knowledge, attitude and practice related questionnaire based online survey through Google forms was conducted from Healthcare workers, following ethical approval from NHRC (ERB protocol registration number: 297/2020 P). Online forms were disseminated via Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Viber and personal messaging. Responses containing anonymized data was collected analyzed in using SPSS-version 26, (Year: 2019). The results were interpreted in terms of percentage response, knowledge score, and practice and discussed on the possible solutions in improving the infection prevention and control practice.Results: 473 HCWs responded to the questionnaire, out of which 426 responses met inclusion criteria which is 90% of the total responses. The mean score for knowledge was 3.20 + 1.15 out of maximum seven; with 45.7% correct answers. 70.4 % (300) participants felt that Nepal will be unable to contain the pandemic, 64 % of the total employed participants felt that there was inadequate institutional preparedness to protect HCWs from exposure. 91% participants reported practicing hand hygiene after every patient encounter; whereas 31.7% (77) and 22.1% (59) participants did not know how to check sealing of the N95 masks and use personal protective equipment’s respectively.Conclusions: The survey findings showed deficiencies in knowledge and appropriate practice among the HCWs, in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Attitudes towards COVID19 were a mix of both positive and negative viewpoints. Even in health care workers with access to internet, there is significant gap in universal infection prevention and control practices required for self-protection and limiting untoward transmission. Keywords: Attitude and practice; COVID-19; healthcare workers; infection prevention and control; knowledge, Nepal; SARS CoV 2

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Point-of-care training program on COVID-19 infection prevention and control for pediatric healthcare workers

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24793/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yingzi Ye ◽

Peng Shi ◽

Yonghao Gui ◽

Albert M. Li ◽

Guoying Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Infection Control ◽

Training Program ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Online Training ◽

Control Measures ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

And Control

Abstract Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of training on knowledge and practices of infection prevention and control (IPC) among pediatric health care workers (HCW) in Shanghai, China, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online training program was designed by the Shanghai Pediatric Clinical Quality Control Center (SPQCC) during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic on disease knowledge and practice of IPC. Training took place in the 81 partner hospitals affiliated with SPQCC. A 25-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge gained from the training. Stratified-random sampling was used to select HCW according to three professionals (i.e., pediatricians, nurses and administrators) within each partner hospital. Awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and its related infection control and practice was assessed by comparing survey results between different types of hospitals, professionals and professional ranks. A higher survey score meant that the respondent was more prepared and knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its infection control measures. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 1,062 subjects (385 pediatricians, 410 nurses, and 267 administrators), giving a response rate of 96.5%. Overall, awareness of clinical information related to COVID-19, importance of personal hygiene and isolation policy was high among the respondents. No statistical difference of scores on knowledge of COVID-19, IPC and relevant practice between the tertiary and peripheral hospitals. Among all respondents, middle-ranked health care personnel were most knowledgeable and achieved the highest score. Conclusions: Majority of pediatric HCW showed good recognition and practice in infection protection and control measures. The online training was able to achieve its aim to enhance knowledge and awareness and could have contributed to the zero infection rate among HCW caring for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shanghai.

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A pre-pandemic COVID-19 assessment of the costs of prevention and control interventions for healthcare associated infections in medical and surgical units in Québec

10.21203/rs.3.rs-608797/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eric Tchouaket ◽

Stephanie Robins ◽

Sandra Boivin ◽

Drissa Sia ◽

Kelley Kilpatrick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Associated Infections ◽

Median Cost ◽

Healthcare Associated ◽

The Cost ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) present a major public health problem that significantly affects patients, health care providers and the entire healthcare system. Infection prevention and control programs limit HCAIs and are an indispensable component of patient and healthcare worker safety. The clinical best practices (CBPs) of handwashing, screening, hygiene and sanitation of surfaces and equipment, and basic and additional precautions are keystones of infection prevention and control (IPC). Systematic reviews of IPC economic evaluations report the lack of rigorous empirical evidence demonstrating the cost-benefit of IPC program in general, and point to the lack of assessment of the value of investing in CBPs more specifically. Objective This study aims to assess overall costs associated with each of the four CBPs. Methods Across two Quebec hospitals, 48 healthcare workers were observed for two hours each shift, for two consecutive weeks. A modified time-driven activity-based costing framework method was used to capture all human resources (time) and materials required (e.g. masks, cloths, disinfectants) for each clinical best practice. Using a hospital perspective with a time horizon of one year, median costs per CBP per hour, as well as the cost per action, were calculated and reported in 2018 Canadian dollars. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Results A total of 1831 actions were recorded. The median cost of hand hygiene (N = 867) was 19.6 cents per action. For cleaning and disinfection of surfaces (N = 102), the cost was 21.4 cents per action, while cleaning of small equipment (N = 85) was 25.3 cents per action. Additional precautions median cost was $4.13 per action. The donning or removing or personal protective equipment (N = 720) cost was 75.9 cents per action. Finally, the total median costs for the five categories of clinical best practiced assessed were 27.2 cents per action. Conclusion The costs of clinical best practices were low, from 20 cents to $4.13 per action. This study provides evidence based arguments with which to support the allocation of resources to infection prevention and control practices that directly affect the safety of patients, healthcare workers and the public. Further research of costing clinical best care practices is warranted.

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EXPLORING THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS REGARDING INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN HOSPITALS: A PILOT STUDY

Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal ◽

10.51253/pafmj.v71i6.6086 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 71 (6) ◽

pp. 2236-41

Author(s):

Maha Pervaz Iqbal ◽

Kerry Uebel ◽

Md. Saiful Islam ◽

Victoria Jabbour ◽

Dr. Victoria Jabbour ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Infection Control ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Standard Precautions ◽

Knowledge And Practice ◽

And Control

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of medical students regarding standard precautions in an Australian undergraduate medical programme. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of New South Wales, Australia, duration of study was six-years. Methodology: Fifty medical students who were involved in clinical practice, were invited to complete a comprehensive questionnaire on standard precautions. Results: The majority of participants agreed that hand hygiene was the most important factor in infection control. Only 32 (16%) knew to use a full personal protective equipment for Ebola. Regarding sharps disposal, 46 (92%) students always disposed used needles in the recommended bin, 27 (54%) indicated they sometimes recapped used needle while 25 (20%) sometimes bent used needles. Conclusion: This study showed that there is a gap between knowledge and practice of medical students regarding hand hygiene and other infection control measures. There is a need for standardized and regular student training in the use of standard precautions in infection prevention and control.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Infection Control Measures Among HealthCare Workers at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) in Riyadh, KSA

10.21203/rs.3.rs-958840/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

najod Alshathri

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽

Safe Practices

Abstract Background: Infections acquired in healthcare facilities have become an increasingly challenging issue worldwide. The prevention of infectious diseases is a critical issue since healthcare workers develop acquired infections while providing services to patients. However, infection prevention and control are challenging, especially in healthcare facilities. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers in King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH). Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at KKESH, total of 285 healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, optometrists, radiographers, and ophthalmic assistants were investigated. A close-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward infection control prevention measures. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Chi-squared was computed to identify associations between factors within the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infection prevention.Results: The study showed that 81% of respondents had good knowledge, 82% had a positive attitude, and only 59% had safe infection prevention practices. Doctors were more knowledgeable than other staff, and nurses showed a high level of positive attitude and safe practices. There was a statistically significant correlation between age, occupation, education, and years of experience with infection prevention practices among healthcare providers (P<0.05). The availability of infection prevention guidelines was associated with excellent knowledge, a positive attitude, and safe practices.Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that most healthcare workers had adequate knowledge and displayed a positive attitude, but practices toward infection control were not sufficient. Therefore, regular training, that contain educational programs, should be supported to maintain the highest level of practice.

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