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Authors:
Grace Komuhangi, Nwanna Uchechukwu Kevin, Ilori Oluwole, Lydia Kabiri, Uganda
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Abstract:
Introduction: Infections acquired during labour are the leading cause of maternal mortality globally. Compliance with Standard Precautions of Infection Control (SPIC) on the side of healthcare workers is crucial in preventing infection transmission during labour. However, lack of training on SPIC in the management of labour and work overload may be associated with non-compliance with SPIC in the management of labour.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine compliance with standard precautions of infection control in the management of labour and child birth by healthcare workers in Mulago Hospital, Uganda.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative approach was conducted among 115 healthcare workers. Consecutive sampling was done to include respondents in the study. Data was collected by direct passive observation across which included; hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, disinfection of reusable equipment, management of sharps, waste segregation and disposal and observing the aseptic non-touch technique. It also included researcher administered questionnaires. Data was then coded and entered into the computer using SPSS version 20 with programmed quality control checks. Descriptive data analyses, frequencies and percentages were the major statistical methods used.
Results: Data from103 healthcare workers who gave deferred consent were involved in the study were analysed. The study revealed that 74% of the respondents were females and overall compliance was at 52%, although it varied across domains; which include; hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, disinfection of reusable equipment, waste segregation and disposal and observing the aseptic non-touch technique. The study further revealed that majority of the healthcare workers (95.1%) did not comply with hand hygiene.
Conclusion: Overall compliance to standard precautions of infection control was low compared to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation. Recommendation: There is an urgent need to put up interventions to improve on compliance with SPIC in management of labour among all healthcare workers.
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