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 inspite of the presence of guidelines on how to do so. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the factos influencing implementation of infection control measures in health units in Arua district. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study. One hundred eighty six health care 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 atleast 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% C1:1.44-7.54) and had ever acquired a hospital infection (OR=2.84, 95%C1:1.03-7.84). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The major limiting factor to implementing infection control measures were inadequate resources and lack of training. Therefore, providing adequate infection control resources and regularly re-training health care workers may improve infection control compliance.