Infection prevention and control practices among health care workers at the Suntreso Government Hospital and the maternal and child health hospital.

Abstract

Background Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a cornerstone of safe healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings. Despite global guidelines, poor adherence to IPC protocols remains a persistent challenge across many healthcare facilities, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Objective This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to compliance with Infection Prevention and Control measures among healthcare workers at the Suntreso Government Hospital and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare personnel using structured questionnaires. A total of 195 healthcare workers were included in the study. Collected data included participants' knowledge of IPC principles, the availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene practices, and systemic challenges encountered in IPC implementation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the responses. Results Most respondents (72.8%) had prior IPC knowledge, and 80.0% had received formal IPC training. Awareness of WHO's Moments of Hand Hygiene was high (85.6%), and over half correctly identified the recommended handwashing duration as 30 to 60 seconds. PPE use was widespread, but improper practices, such as reusing utility gloves (77.9%), were reported. The most common barriers to IPC compliance were inconsistent PPE supply (68.0%), water scarcity (51.8%), and insufficient waste management systems (46.7%). Organisational gaps, including inadequate training (50.8%) and lack of supervision (34.9%), were also noted. Conclusion While healthcare workers demonstrated adequate IPC knowledge, several logistical and institutional constraints limit effective practice. There is a critical need to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice through sustained training, adequate resource allocation, and organisational support.