Abstract
M.A. (Public Health)
Background The health care environment is very hazardous due to a wide range of exposures that are potentially harmful to health workers and patients alike. These hazards include infectious agents (Ebola and Covid-19) physical and chemical hazards. Health workers play a vital role in the health system of every nation including that of Nigeria justifying the need to constantly adhere to health and safety protocols. Objectives The purpose of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of infection prevention at Federal Medical Center, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. Methods The study was a cross-sectional quantitative study. The sample size was 316 participants using selfadministered pretested questionnaires. Sampling was by convenience. Statistical software’s SPSS and EPI Info were used for data analysis. Frequencies and logistic regression were done for sociodemographic information, knowledge, practice, and factors that affect non-adherence to standard precautions and use of PPE(s). Results The 20-29 age group were less 38 (12%) when compared to the 40-49 age group 114(36.1%). The nursing profession had a higher number of health workers 116 (36.7%) compared to the doctors 68(21.5%), whereas the auxiliary medical staff/health technicians/CHEW (Community Health Extension workers), health attendants, the dentists/dental therapist had a lower number of health workers, at 45 (14.2%), 44 (13.9%) 4 (1.3%) respectively compared to the medical profession. Other sources of information on infection prevention and control was statistically significant relative to those that had more than one source of the information, AOR 0.48, 95%CI (0.25-0.94). A lack of knowledge on the minimum recommended duration of handwashing was statistically significant among participants relative to the actual recommended duration, AOR 0.32, 95%CI (0.19-0.54). There was poor adherence to proper hand washing practices seen in the results for participants that sometimes washed their hands before, and after contact with a patient, beddings, or materials, or after taking blood samples which were statistically significant AOR 1.82, 95%CI (1.04-3.20), AOR 4.51, 95%CI (1.76-11.54) respectively relative to those that always washed their hands. Participants that have not been trained on infection prevention and control were statistically significant AOR 2.33, 95%CI (1.29-4.22) relative to those that have been trained. The participants that said PPE(s) were not always available was statistically significant AOR 2.39, 95%CI (1.31- 4.37) relative to those that responded that PPE(s) were always available and was a factor or reason for non-adherent to infection prevention and control protocols and the use of PPE’(s).When PPE(s)...