Gemeinschaftsmedizin und Gesundheitserziehung

Abstrakt

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice on Infection Prevention among Health Care Workers at Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara Region, South Wollo Zone, North East Ethiopia

Alemayehu R, Ahmed K, Sada O

Background: A large fraction of the world’s illness and death is attributable to communicable diseases. Sixty-two percent and 31% of all deaths in Africa and Southeast Asia, respectively, are caused by infectious disease. An infection prevention and control measure ensures the protection of those who are vulnerable to acquiring an infection in the general community. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess infection prevention knowledge and practice among health care workers at Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara region, South Wollo, North East Ethiopia, June 2016. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie Referral Hospital from February 2016 -June 2016. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from health care workers. Pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data from randomly selected health care workers at Selam Hospital using 5% of the sample size and necessary amendments were made. Proportions, tables and graphs were used to summarize the collected data. Each filled questionnaire was checked for its completeness, accuracy and consistency. Result: The study was done on 208 healthcare workers with respondent rate of 208(100%). All respondents 208(100%) knew about personal protective equipment. Among respondent 182(87.5%) of health care workers knew use of an alcohol based antiseptic for hand hygiene is as effective as soap and water. All of the respondents 208(100%) used glove and had gown. Nearly all of respondents 205(98.6%) told that they wash hands with antiseptics/soap after work. Conclusion and Recommendation: Generally, the results of this study revealed that 198(95.19%) of health care workers at Dessie Referral Hospital had good knowledge and 182(87.5%) had good practice of infection prevention. Less than one fourth of health care workers (17.7%) were trained on infection prevention. Strengthening the knowledge of HCW (Health Care Workers) and giving training on infection prevention practice for HCW is recommended.