Knowledge and Practices Regarding Infection Control Among the Health Care Professionals Working in Labor Rooms of Category-D Hospitals Peshawar.

Abstract

Background: Developing world is facing maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities in which the greater extents are manageable risks through infection control practices. In low-income countries, mortality related to hospital acquired infections including sepsis accounts for 36% of total newborn mortality. Despite, good patient care and global progress in reducing newborn and maternal mortality, Pakistan's Objectives: To assess the knowledge level of gynecology department health care professionals regarding infection control. To assess the practices of healthcare professionals on infection control measures in the gynecology units especially labor rooms. Materials and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 192 healthcare professionals including doctors, LHVs, nurses, and midwives working in the labor rooms of three category-D hospitals of district Peshawar. Results: Age was taken as a categorical variable in which 20-33 years age group accounted for 46.4%, followed by 44.8% in the age category of 34 to 47 years. Study participants included predominately nurses (57.8%) followed by 24% doctors. Half of the participants 96 (50%) were previously trained regarding infection control practices. Knowledge of hand hygiene (89.1%) and on standard precautions was 96.9%. Before attending patient only (7.3%) healthcare professionals washed their hands, while 97.4%, washed their hands after attending the patients, and needle recapping practices recorded by 81.8%.Conclusion: The study findings conclude that majority of the participants have overall good knowledge, average level of awareness, and compliance.Keywords: Knowledge, Infection Control practices, Healthcare Professionals, Maternal and Child Health.