Browsing by Author "Wangari, Janeffer Muthoni"

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    Compliance with Tuberculosis Infection, Prevention and Control Guidelines among Healthcare Workers in Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi District Hospital
    (Science and Education Publishing, 2023) Wangari, Janeffer Muthoni; Mwangi, Emmah; Arodi, Washington Auma
    Background: Tuberculosis is a major occupational hazard among healthcare workers, not just in Kenya but globally due to consistent and routine exposure. This is especially true among the nurses and laboratory workers among the profession cadre who are regarded as high-risk groups for both latent Tuberculosis infection (LTBI) as well as active TB, with the lowest risk noted among the administrative staff. The escalated occupational tb cases were associated to poor implementation of full hierarchy of IPCs as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) especially the administrative control. This study was cross sectional study which was conducted in Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi District Hospital, Nairobi County. Objective: The study sought to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on compliance to TB IPC guidelines among HCWs in Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi District Hospital. Materials and methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional community study design. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to obtain the required information from respondents. Quantitative data collection was done by use of semi-structured, selfadministered questionnaires while qualitative data was collected through key informant interview (KII) and standardized observation checklist among Health Care Workers (HCWs), specifically nurses and laboratory staff. Confidentiality of information collected was observed and consent was sought from the respondents before collecting any form of information from them. A total of 38 nurses and 4 laboratory staff from Mbagathi District Hospital and 332 nurses and 32 laboratory staff from Kenyatta National were randomly selected (n=406). The response rate was 98% with 398 participants having completely and accurately filled and returned the questionnaires. The tools that the researcher used included questionnaire, interview schedule, pens and pencils. Descriptive data was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 with the help of Microsoft Excel programme to generate frequency tables, graphs and pie-charts. Inferential statistics was calculated using Chi-Square tests (p=0.005) done at 95% confidence level to determine the linkage between the Variables. Results: There was no statistically significant association between marital status and compliance to TB-IPC guidelines (P=0.067) with the divorced more likely to comply with TB-IPC standards (OR=3.6, CI: 0.504, 25.323). The study findings further revealed that majority 171 (59.6%) of participants had a fair attitude and comply to TB-IPC guidelines (P=0.034). 245(61.6%) have a work experience of less than 2 years, followed by 142(35.7%) having worked three to five years with 11(2.8%) having worked over 5 years. There was a statistical association between the number of years worked and compliance to TB-IPC guidelines. According to the study findings, participants with good attitude levels are more likely to comply with TB-IPC guidelines (OR=1.688, CI: 1.15, 2.555). Conclusion: There is a dire need to develop and implement a robust occupational health management system that takes cognizance of: development and adherence to sensitization framework; accurate and prompt surveillance and reporting of TB; supportive legal framework; committed leadership; financial investment and strict/stringent measures in place to ensure compliance to set guidelines.
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    Compliance with Tuberculosis Infection, Prevention and Control Guidelines among Healthcare Workers in Kibera, Nairobi City County, Kenya.
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-04) Wangari, Janeffer Muthoni
    Tuberculosis is one of the major occupational hazards recorded among healthcare workers, not just in Kenya but globally due to their consistent and routine exposure. This is especially true among the nurses and laboratory workers who are regarded as high-risk groups for both Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) as well as active TB, among the profession cadre. From the studies done within Kenya and globally, it has been proved that the risk of infection among Health Care Workers (HCWs) compared to the general population is three times more with poor implementation administrative control cited as the major cause according to World Health Organization (WHO). The study was aimed at producing baseline data that would be used to create awareness on existing morbidity within the community hence lead to prevention and control measure being put in place. This too shall contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator of ‘End TB 2050’. The study sought to assess the compliance to TB IPC among HCWs in Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi District Hospital. The study sample was 406 participants from KNH and Mbagathi hospitals. Out of the 406 questionnaires distributed, 98.0% (n=398) were completed, accurately filled and returned. A total of 36 nurses, 4 laboratory staff participated from Mbagathi with 328 nurses and 30 laboratory staff from KNH. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 was used to analyze the descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data and triangulated with quantitative data either as narrations or direct quotes. The Chi-Square tests were done at 95% confidence interval and results with p-values of less than 0.05 (p<0.05) were considered significant. This helped identify the relationship between various variables. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation too was done to show the strength of the association. The study findings revealed that the socio-demographic factors that significantly influenced respondents’ compliance to the laid down TB IPC guidelines included the number of years worked (P=0.043) and salary received per month (P=0.003). Further, the HCWs generally had a high level of knowledge on TB with low score observed on TB prevention aspect. On compliance, the administrative aspect of control measure was noted as inadequate contrary to what was filled in the questionnaires. The study further revealed that those with a fair attitude were more likely to comply with TB IPC guidelines than their counterparts. Thus, knowledge and attitude levels were significantly associated with compliance to TB IPC guidelines (P=0.000). In conclusion, there is a dire need to offer continuous medical education to HCWs despite their tight schedules with an emphasis on TB prevention. Moreover, the hospitals managements should ensure that appropriate policies such as compensation policy, incentive program, TB screening and HIV/AIDS testing and treatment that is staff-friendly are formulated and implemented to boost the attitude of the HCWs.