Tuberculosis infection control practices in primary healthcare facilities in three districts of South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has one of the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world, which can partly be attributed to poor infection control in public healthcare (PHC) facilities. The aim of the study was to explore the extent of tuberculosis and infection control training, as well as facility-level managerial, administrative, environmental and personal protection, infection control measures, at PHC facilities. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted at 127 PHC facilities across three districts of South Africa. Data collection was achieved through interviews with tuberculosis nurses, observations of infection control practices and a review of the clinic records. Univariate analysis was performed using SPSS® version 17. Limited implementation of World Health Organization infection control measures was identifed. In terms of facility controls, 43.3% of the clinics did not have an infection control committee and 40.9% did not have a clinic specifc infection control plan. In terms of administrative controls, 94.5% of...