Evaluation of Healthcare Workers’ and Students’ Knowledge Levels About Infections Transmitted by Blood and Body Fluids, Infection Control Measures, Exposure Frequencies and Serological and Hepatitis B Vaccination Status

Abstract Background In countries with a high tuberculosis incidence such as Gabon, healthcare workers are at enhanced risk to become infected with tuberculosis due to their occupational exposure. In addition, transmission can occur between patients and visitors, if a tuberculosis infection is not suspected in time. Knowledge about tuberculosis and correct infection control measures are therefore highly relevant in healthcare settings. Methods We conducted an interviewer-administered knowledge, attitude and practice survey amongst healthcare workers in 20 healthcare facilities at all levels in the Moyen-Ogooué province, Gabon. Correctly answered knowledge questions were scored and then categorised into four knowledge levels. Additionally, factors associated with high knowledge levels were identified. Fisher’s Exact test was used to identify factors associated with high knowledge levels. Results A total of 103 questionnaires were completed by various healthcare personnel. The most-frequently scored category was ‘intermediate knowledge’, which was scored by 40.8% (42/103), followed by ‘good knowledge’ with 28.2% (29/103) and ‘poor knowledge’ with 21.4% (22/103) of participating healthcare workers, respectively. ‘Excellent knowledge’ was achieved by 9.7% (10/103) of the interviewees. Apart from the profession, education level, type of employing healthcare facility, as well as former training on tuberculosis were significantly associated with high knowledge scores. Attitudes were generally positive towards tuberculosis infection control efforts. Of note, healthcare workers reported that infection control measures were not consistently practiced; 72.8% (75/103) of the participants were scared of becoming infected with tuberculosis, and 98.1% saw a need for improvement of local tuberculosis control. Conclusions The survey results lead to the assumption that healthcare workers in the Moyen-Ogooué province are at high risk to become infected with tuberculosis. There is an urgent need for improvement of tuberculosis infection control training for local healthcare personnel, particularly for less trained staff such as assistant nurses. Furthermore, the lack of adequate infection control measures reported by staff could possibly be correlated with a lack of adequate facility structures and protective equipment and requires further investigation.

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Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and uptake of hepatitis B vaccine among healthcare workers, Makueni County, Kenya 2017

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/pubmed/fdy186 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 765-771 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

E N Kisangau ◽

A Awour ◽

B Juma ◽

D Odhiambo ◽

T Muasya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccination Status ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Similar Data ◽

Factors Associated ◽

B Virus

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection that can spread in healthcare setting. Data on HBV infections and vaccine in African healthcare workers (HCWs) are limited. We estimated HBV infection prevalence, hepatitis B vaccination status and identified factors associated with vaccination in one Kenyan county. Methods Randomly selected HCWs completed a questionnaire about HBV exposure and self-reported immunization histories, and provided blood for testing of selected HBV biomarkers to assess HBV infection and vaccination status: HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. Results Among 312 HCWs surveyed, median age was 31 years (range: 19–67 years). Of 295 blood samples tested, 13 (4%) were anti-HBc and HBsAg-positive evidencing chronic HBV infection; 139 (47%) had protective anti-HBs levels. Although 249 (80%) HCWs received ≥1 HBV vaccine dose, only 119 (48%) received all three recommended doses. Complete vaccination was more likely among those working in hospitals compared to those working in primary healthcare facilities (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.3). Conclusion We recommend strengthening county HCW vaccination, and collecting similar data nationally to guide HBV prevention and control.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour among dental students concerning infection control measures.

Journal of Indian Dental Association ◽

10.33882/jida.13.25165 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Aditi Sharma ◽

Rajashri Kolte ◽

Abhay Kolte

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Infection Control ◽

Key Words ◽

Dental Students ◽

Control Measures ◽

Key Words Infection ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Tetanus Vaccine ◽

Study Results ◽

Level Of Knowledge

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of dental students concerning infection control measures and to check the correlation, if any, among knowledge, attitude and behaviour of dental students concerning infection control measures in dental setups. Materials and Methods: A total of 1200 students from first to final year and interns from three different colleges were included in the study. Results: A total of 95.83% think isolation is important. Only 4.1% have been vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine and 95% with tetanus vaccine. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and behaviour of infection control measures was average, for which the reasons could be inadequate training, supply of protective equipments and mainly carelessness. Key Words- Infection control, Vaccination, Isolation.

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Tuberculosis in Healthcare Workers and Infection Control Measures at Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0076272 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e76272 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Mareli M. Claassens ◽

Cari van Schalkwyk ◽

Elizabeth du Toit ◽

Eline Roest ◽

Carl J. Lombard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Infection Control ◽

Primary Healthcare ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Control Measures ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Infection Control Measures

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COVID-19 Critical Care Simulations: An International Cross-sectional Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-121001/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽

Abdulkarim Alrabiaah ◽

Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽

Fahad Al-Sohime ◽

Abdullah Al Huzaimi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Control Measures ◽

Team Leaders ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patient Transport ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Better Than

Abstract Background: Many healthcare systems initiated rapid training with COVID-19 simulations for their healthcare workers (HCWs) to build surge capacity and optimize infection control measures. This study aimed to describe COVID-19 simulation drills in international healthcare centers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey among simulation team leaders and HCWs, based on each center's debriefing reports from simulation centers from 30 countries in all WHO regions where COVID-19 simulation drills were conducted. The primary outcome measures were the COVID-19 simulations' characteristics, outcomes, facilitators, obstacles, and challenges encountered during the simulation sessions. Results: Invitation was sent to 500 simulation team leaders and HCWs, and 343 responded. Those who completed the study comprised 121 participants: 62.8% females; 56.2% physicians; 41.3% from East Mediterranean (EMRO) countries; 25.6% from Southeast Asian countries (SERO); and 12.4% from Europe. The frequency of simulation sessions was monthly (27.1%), weekly (24.8%), twice weekly (19.8%), or daily (21.5%). Among participants, 55.6% reported the team's full engagement in the simulation sessions. The average session length was 30–60 minutes. The most commonly reported debriefing leaders were ICU staff, simulation lab staff, and E.R. facilitators, and the least common were infection control staff. A total of 80% reported "a lot" to "a great improvement" in terms of clinical preparedness after simulation sessions, and 70% were satisfied with the COVID-19 simulation sessions and thought they were better than expected. Most of the perceived issues reported were related to infection control measures, followed by team dynamics, logistics, and patient transport issues. Conclusion: Simulation centers team leaders and HCWs reported positive feedback on COVID-19 simulation sessions. The presence of multiprofessional personnel during drills is warranted. These drills are a valuable tool for rehearsing safe dynamics of HCWs on the frontline of COVID-19.Trial registration: Not applicable.

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Assessment of knowledge levels of health care professionals working at intensive care units about infection control measures

Ortadoğu Tıp Dergisi ◽

10.21601/ortadogutipdergisi.333462 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 289-296

Author(s):

Salih Cesur ◽

Reyhan Öztürk ◽

Esma Meltem Şimşek ◽

Süha Şen ◽

Laser Şanal

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Infection Control ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Knowledge Levels

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Management of a Hospital-Wide COVID-19 Outbreak Affecting Patients and Healthcare Workers

SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine ◽

10.1007/s42399-020-00597-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (12) ◽

pp. 2540-2545

Author(s):

Steffen Höring ◽

René Fussen ◽

Johannes Neusser ◽

Michael Kleines ◽

Thea Laurentius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Spatial Separation ◽

Control Measures ◽

Medical Conditions ◽

Hospital Workers ◽

Infection Control Team ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Control Team

AbstractTo the best of our knowledge, here, we describe the first hospital-wide outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that occurred in Germany in April 2020. We aim to share our experience in order to facilitate the management of nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare facilities. All patients and hospital workers were screened for SARS-CoV-2 repeatedly. An infection control team on the side was installed. Strict spatial separation of patients and intensified hygiene training of healthcare workers (HCW) were initiated. By the time of reporting, 26 patients and 21 hospital workers were infected with a cluster of cases in the geriatric department. Fourteen patients developed COVID-19 consistent symptoms and five patients with severe pre-existing medical conditions died. The outbreak was successfully contained after intensified infection control measures were implemented and no further cases among patients were detected over a period of 14 days. Strict application of standard infection control measures proved to be successful in the management of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.

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Latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries: an updated systematic review

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/13993003.01789-2018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 53 (4) ◽

pp. 1801789 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Lika Apriani ◽

Susan McAllister ◽

Katrina Sharples ◽

Bachti Alisjahbana ◽

Rovina Ruslami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Latent Tuberculosis ◽

Annual Incidence ◽

Control Measures ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Increased Risk

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) and TB disease.We conducted an updated systematic review of the prevalence and incidence of LTBI in HCWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), associated factors, and infection control practices. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science (January 1, 2005–June 20, 2017) for studies published in any language. We obtained pooled estimates using random effects methods and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.85 studies (32 630 subjects) were included from 26 LMICs. Prevalence of a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) was 14–98% (mean 49%); prevalence of a positive interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) was 9–86% (mean 39%). Countries with TB incidence ≥300 per 100 000 had the highest prevalence (TST: pooled estimate 55%, 95% CI 41–69%; IGRA: pooled estimate 56%, 95% CI 39–73%). Annual incidence estimated from the TST was 1–38% (mean 17%); annual incidence estimated from the IGRA was 10–30% (mean 18%). The prevalence and incidence of a positive test was associated with years of work, work location, TB contact and job category. Only 15 studies reported on infection control measures in healthcare facilities, with limited implementation.HCWs in LMICs in high TB incidence settings remain at increased risk of acquiring LTBI. There is an urgent need for robust implementation of infection control measures.

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