International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries

ISSN 2756-3812

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN: 5414-9203 Vol. 1 (3), pp.025-028, December, 2014. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Approach and responsiveness of health care workers towards nosocomial infections in a teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria

Woju E. A1, Olufujana West2, Asheshe V. O2, Abiodun K. E1* and Ogbunegbe Frank2

1Department of public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Igbinedion University,Okada, Edo, Nigeria.

2Department of Epidemiology, School Of Medicine, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 19 November, 2014

Abstract 

This study assessed Approach and responsiveness of health care workers in LAUTECH teaching Hospital Osogbo towards Nosocomial infections. Regardless of progress in health care system, Nosocomial infections still remains an avertable disease intimidating public health. Descriptive cross sectional study among hospital workers using multistage sampling method was used. Research instruments were semi structured self administered and pre-tested questionnaires, and data analyzed using the SPSS software. Eighty three (91.2%), 77 (84.6%) and 59 (64.8%) of the health workers were aware of patients, hospital staff and hospital environment, respectively as causes of nosocomial infections. Thirty one (34.1%) were aware of presence of their hospital policy on control of nosocomial infections, while 36(39.6%) were aware of presence of infection control committee in the hospital. Twelve (13.2%) has ever notified nosocomial infection. Preventive practices towards nosocomial infections were favourable for hand washing, and unfavourable for self reporting to the staff clinic when sick. There is no significant association between ever reported or willingness to report nosocomial infections and awareness of hospital policy or presence of infection control committee in the hospital (P > 0.05). There is a need to raise awareness on nosocomial infections among health care workers as well as preventive measures against these infections.

Key words: Infection control committee, health care workers, Nosocomial infection, responsiveness.