Assessment of Blood Borne Infections Prevention among Health Workers at Kwesimintsim Hospital in Takoradi.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus are often transmitted through needle stick and other sharp injuries in the hospital environment. In delivering service, HWs improvise and device approaches rather than use the approved preventive measures, predisposing them to blood borne infections and injuries. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to determine compliance with blood borne infection protocols among health workers in Kwesimintsim Hospital. Methods: Study was a cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach. Seven departments of the hospital were randomly selected. Purposive sampling technique was employed to sample one hundred and thirty three health workers from these departments of which one hundred and fifteen were analyzed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data to assess compliance. Collected data was coded, entered carefully and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between multiple independent variables and a categorical dependent variable (p <0.05 denote statistical significance). Results: Compliance with prevention of blood borne infection protocol was high. Logistic regression of sociodemographic factors indicated that profession and years of practice were significantly associated to compliance with Universal Precautions with p values <0.05. Females were more likely to adhere with universal precautions than their male counterparts (p <0.05). Universal precautions were found to be available in the facility. Inability to anticipate risk and protect oneself during emergency situations were found to be some of the factors affecting compliance. The results also revealed that though there was a reporting system in place, most of the HWs do not report but wash with soap and water post exposure. Conclusion: Compliance with blood borne infection prevention protocols was high and nurses were found to comply with blood borne infection prevention protocols than other profession. Availability of universal precautions was found to be adequate. There was also evidence of some factors that influence compliance. Reportage of injuries due to exposure was noticeably low.