Factors influencing implementation of infection control measures in health units in Arua District, Uganda

Abstract

Background: According to the ‘Yellow Star’ program, less than 60% of the health units in Arua district, Uganda, were adequately observing infection control measures in spite of the presence of guidelines on how to do so. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the factors influencing implementation of infection control measures in health units in Arua District. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. One hundred eighty six healthcare workers and sixteen key informants were interviewed while observations where done on 32 selected health units. Quantitative data underwent descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regressions at 95% confidence intervals. Qualitative data was summarised using a master sheet. Results: About 51% of the respondents were aware of at least six of the eight infection control measures assessed. Hand washing was done in 60% of the units observed. Essential supplies such as soap, autoclaves and facemasks were observed in only 68.8%, 50% and 34.4% of the health units respectively. Significant findings at multivariate analysis included respondents being more likely to wash their hands if they had training on infection control (OR=2.71, 95% CI: 1.03-7.16), were educated beyond O’level (OR=3.30, 95% CI: 1.44-7.54) and had ever acquired a hospital infection (OR=2.84, 95% CI: 1.03-7.84). Conclusions and recommendations: The major limiting factors to implementing infection control measures were inadequate resources and lack of training. Therefore, providing adequate infection control resources and regularly re-training healthcare workers may improve infection control compliance.