Abstract
BackgroundInfection control remains a key challenge for Tuberculosis (TB) control program with an increased risk of TB transmission among health care workers (HCWs), especially in settings with inadequate TB infection control measures. Poor knowledge among HCWs and inadequate infection control practices may lead to the increased risk of nosocomial TB transmission.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 28 health facilities providing TB services in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A total of 190 HCWs were assessed for the knowledge, attitudes and practices on TB infection control using a structured questionnaire.ResultsThe level of knowledge on TB infection control among almost half (45.8%) of the HCWs was poor, and was much poorer among administration and lower level staff. The knowledge level was significantly associated with educational status, and TB training and/or orientation received. The majority (73.2%) of HCWs had positive attitude towards TB infection control. Sixty-five percent of HCWs were found to be concerned about being infected with TB. Use of respirators among the HCWs was limited and triage of TB suspects was also lacking.ConclusionsOverall knowledge and practices of HCWs on TB infection control were not satisfactory. Effective infection control measures including regular skill-based training and/or orientation for all categories of HCWs can improve infection control practices in health facilities.
Highlights
Infection control remains a key challenge for Tuberculosis (TB) control program with an increased risk of TB transmission among health care workers (HCWs), especially in settings with inadequate TB infection control measures
All HCWs involved in TB services available during the study period were enrolled until the required sample number was met
Since TB service in Nepal is integrated within the national health system and provided through the same outlet often within limited infrastructure, all HCWs are likely to be exposed to TB infection regardless of their job categories
Summary
Infection control remains a key challenge for Tuberculosis (TB) control program with an increased risk of TB transmission among health care workers (HCWs), especially in settings with inadequate TB infection control measures. Poor knowledge among HCWs and inadequate infection control practices may lead to the increased risk of nosocomial TB transmission. Studies have reported nosocomial transmission of TB with high TB infection among health care workers (HCWs) in many countries in low- and middle-income countries [3,4,5,6,7]. This increased risk of TB transmission in health facilities put HCWs and other patients at high risk of infection. This is likely to contribute to the increased risk of nosocomial transmission of TB
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