Role of Attitude in Influencing Compliance with Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines among Healthcare Workers
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Wangari, Janeffer Muthoni
Mwangi, Emmah
Arodi, Washington Auma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJPHR
Abstract
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 professional 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 cases were
associated with poor implementation of the full hierarchy of IPCs as outlined by the World Health Organization
(WHO), especially administrative control. This study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Kenyatta
National Hospital and Mbagathi District Hospital, Nairobi County. Objective: The study sought to find out the
influence of the attitude of HCWs on TB IPC guidelines 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, self-administered questionnaires while
qualitative data was collected through Key Informant Interviews (KII) and standardized observation checklists
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
questionnaires, interview schedules, 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 the Microsoft Excel program to generate
frequency tables, graphs, and pie charts. Inferential statistics were calculated using Chi-Square tests (p=0.005) done
at a 95% confidence level to determine the linkage between the Variables. Results: The attitude level was reported
at 72.1% (good) with most respondents indicating that they had a higher risk of acquiring the infection and although
they knew about the disease, they expressed concern about being infected while in the line of duty. Further,
perceptional survey audits are conducted as random spot checks periodically to ensure that the staff attitude
improves. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that 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.
Description
Article
Keywords
health care workers, nosocomial tuberculosis, hierarchy of control, infection, prevention and controls (IPC), compliance
Citation
Janeffer Muthoni Wangari, Emmah Mwangi, and Washington Auma Arodi, “Role of Attitude in Influencing Compliance with Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines among Healthcare Workers.” American Journal of Public Health Research, vol. 11, no. 3 (2023): 107-116. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-11-3-4.