Practice Of Health Care Workers Research Articles

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Dietary Supplements Among Healthcare Professionals in Poland.

The growing popularity of dietary supplements in Poland raises the need to verify the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers who have a key role in recommending their use. Understanding these issues is important to ensure patient safety and the correct use of dietary supplements. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the level of knowledge, practices, and sources of information on dietary supplements among various professional groups of healthcare workers. The study conducted from September 2023 to June 2024 involved 743 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Data were collected online using an original questionnaire. The questionnaire was placed in portals associated with target groups. A total of 73.49% of respondents declared knowledge of dietary supplements. The most common source of information was scientific articles (42.8%), and only 7.00% of respondents used official sources such as the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. Advertisements had a smaller impact on doctors (p < 0.001), with 46.97% of respondents stating that they did not pay attention to them. In addition, 84.52% of respondents considered the composition of the dietary supplement to be a key factor in their recommendation. Knowledge of dietary supplements among healthcare professionals varies, particularly between different professional groups. The results indicate a need for further education and standardization of information to ensure safe and responsible recommendation of supplements to consumers.

Prevalence, response and associated factors of needlestick injury among health care workers in Orotta National Referral Hospital, Eritrea

BackgroundHealthcare workers are at risk of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids after sustaining needlestick injury which constitutes a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus or Human Immune-deficiency Virus.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence, response, and associated factors of needlestick injury by medical sharps among healthcare workers in Orotta National Referral Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea.MethodsCross sectional study was conducted between September and December 2017 among healthcare workers. This was a census study whereby a total of 383 healthcare workers who had contact with sharp medical equipment were taken as study population. An aided self-administered questionnaire, checklist and key informant interviews were used as data collection tools. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out and the level of significance was set at P < .05.ResultsThe prevalence of needlestick injury 12 months preceding the study was 37.1% (134/361). Midwives had the highest occurrence (45%) among others while adult intensive care unit were found to have higher prevalence of needlestick injury (61.5%) as compared to the other sections. As an immediate response to needlestick injury, only 15.7% washed the injured part with soap and water. The factors associated with needlestick injury include age > 40 years (AOR = .314, p = .05), marital status (married (AOR = 0.595, p = .05)), additional duty that made healthcare workers rush during working hours (AOR = 2.134, p = .002) and back bone problem (AOR = 2.239, p = .002).ConclusionThe overall finding of the study indicated that there was a great risk of contracting blood-borne infections among the healthcare workers especially midwives. Therefore, there is need for adequate supply of safety engineered devices, Hepatitis B vaccine, better reporting, and surveillance of needlestick injury cases at the hospital. Moreover, further research on assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward occupational safety and health, particularly needlestick injury, is necessary.

Evaluation of hand hygiene practices of health care workers in tertiary care hospital by systematic hand hygiene audits

: Hand hygiene (HH) holds a pivotal role in infection control. However, compliance with hand hygiene has remained low worldwide. Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) incidence is rising in most healthcare facilities. It is postulated that around 30% of HAI can be reduced by following strict hand hygiene protocols by healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was done to evaluate the level of compliance of healthcare personnel in our tertiary care hospital with respect to appropriate hand hygiene practices by employing HH audits. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital over six months. A single‑ observer direct observation technique was used to collect the HH compliance data conducted by trained Infection control nurses. HCWs, including doctors, nurses, CRMIs and technicians, were observed for compliance in all the critical areas, outpatient and inpatient sections across all departments. The HH audit form designed based on the WHO's HH audit tool kit was used in the study. The audits were conducted randomly in all the areas for at least 20 minutes per day. : A total of 583 HCWs were observed for the Hand Hygiene Compliance audit. The overall HH compliance rate was 67.88%, with doctors at 74.31%, followed by nurses at 70.42%. Compliance was observed in OBG/Labour ward at 78.7% and the oncology ward at 78.5%. WHO moments-specific hand hygiene adherence showed the least compliance rate of 55% for moment 1, followed by moment 5 with 58.9%. Best compliance was observed for moment 3, with 79.2%.: The overall hand hygiene compliance was comparatively better in our study. Specific measures such as improved facilities, training and monitoring are needed to attain good H`H compliance.

The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Experiential Training Model on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Maternity Health Management: A Preliminary Study [Letter

The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Experiential Training Model on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Maternity Health Management: A Preliminary Study [Letter

Appropriate Hand Drying - The Missed Step of Hand Hygiene: A Qualitative Evaluation of Hand Drying Practices among Indian Health Care Workers.

Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective methods of preventing healthcare-associated infections. Hand drying is the end point of hand hygiene. Hand drying after hand hygiene is less explored, and the practice varies in different facilities. This explorative study was done to know the various hand-drying methods and practices of healthcare workers in Indian settings. This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study initiated from a tertiary care setup in Uttarakhand. Healthcare workers over 18 years of age directly involved in patient care were enrolled. A semi-structured questionnaire with both open-ended and close-ended questions was used with snowballing sampling technique. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Out of the eligible 395 respondents, 62.8% were female. The mean age of the respondents was 31.34 ± 8.44 years and average working hours were 8.87 ± 2.97 (range 4-24) hours. Only 72.7% did hand hygiene always before touching a patient. Nurses were more compliant about hand hygiene than doctors (P < 0.0001). A total of 82.8% were aware of appropriate hand-drying methods. Staff in the Intensive care unit Intensive care unit (ICU) setup were more aware of hand drying practices (P = 0.033). A total of 21.8% wiped their hands on their clothing to dry their hands. This was more in staff from paraclinical departments (P = 0.001). A total of 35.7% used handkerchiefs to dry hands. Resident doctors used handkerchiefs more than senior doctors or nursing staff (P = 0.01). A total of 49.9% of respondents spent less than 10 seconds in hand drying. Hand-hygiene knowledge is high among healthcare workers in India, but the knowledge of appropriate hand-drying practices is lacking. There is wide variation in the practice of hand drying. Better hand drying guidelines and incorporating hand drying as the essential endpoint of the hand hygiene ritual are warranted.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers on isoniazid preventive treatment in Tanzania; a health facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In Tanzania, the co-occurrence of TB and HIV poses a substantial challenge to healthcare systems. Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) has become an important intervention to mitigate the risk of TB infection among individuals living with HIV. Despite its proven efficacy, the extent of knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Tanzania is not well-documented. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding IPT among healthcare workers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare workers working at TB/HIV clinics in 12 regions of Tanzania mainland. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents consisting of social demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice questions. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14.0.ResultsA total of 464 respondents were interviewed, with 282 (60.8%) being female. The mean age was 36.4 years (SD = 11.0). Among the interviewed, 255 (55.0%) were nurses. Regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice on IPT, 217 (46.8%), 220 (47.0%), and 422 (90.9%) respondents respectively demonstrated adequacy in these domains. Factors such as gender, university education, professional role in healthcare practice, cumulative work experience of one year or more, tenure at a TB/HIV clinic of one year or longer, and attendance at IPT-related training emerged as significant determinants. These factors influence respondents' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards IPT.ConclusionThe findings underscored a notable knowledge gap and a less favourable attitude towards IPT among HCWs, despite commendable practices. Addressing this disparity through targeted training interventions for healthcare workers holds promise for enhancing their understanding and attitude toward IPT, thereby fostering increased acceptance and utilization of this preventive therapy.

Incidence, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Healthcare Workers Regarding Needle Stick Injuries at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: A needle stick injury is a serious occupational health hazard in health care settings. Health care workers are at risk of bloodborne diseases and the psychological consequences of these injuries. Objectives: we aimed in this study to assess the prevalence of NSI among health care workers in King Saud Medical City and to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needle stick injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 17th August 2022 until 30th November 2023. A structured questionnaire from Saudi Ministry of Health guidelines was used to collect the data. The content validity was evaluated by four academics from King Khalid University in Abha, and some minor changes were made. Results: As regard the prevalence of NSI, out of 220 participants, 132 individuals did not report any needle-stick injuries (NSI). While 92.3% of participants accurately defined NSI and acknowledged blood-borne disease transmission risks, only 39.1% followed preventive measures like recapping needles and proper disposal. There were knowledge gaps observed, with varying awareness levels on Hepatitis B and C prevention. Participants demonstrated awareness of post-exposure guidelines but lacked knowledge on immediate actions to take post-injury. Attitudes towards NSI varied, with a significant percentage 44.1% prioritizing patient care over healthcare worker safety. Interestingly, significant support was shown for immediate reporting of sharp injuries and the belief that NSIs are preventable. In terms of practice, adherence to safe needle practices varied, with the majority 90.9% using assigned disposal containers and being vaccinated against Hepatitis B, but not all receiving recent training on safe devices. Conclusion: This study revealed that NSIs remain a prevalent occupational health hazard among healthcare workers. Although a significant number of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge and awareness of NSIs and bloodborne disease transmission risks, there were noticeable gaps in their implementation of preventive measures and immediate post-injury actions. Attitudes towards NSIs varied, with some prioritizing patient care over healthcare worker safety. However, there was strong support for the immediate reporting of sharp injuries and belief in the preventability of NSIs.

"Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Workers towards COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Ashanti Region, Ghana"

"Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Workers towards COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Ashanti Region, Ghana"

The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Experiential Training Model on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Maternity Health Management: A Preliminary Study.

Maternity health management has always been the area of concern and considering, and considering its complexity and multidisciplinary, it is necessary to provide effective training for healthcare workers. To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary experiential training model on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers in maternity health management. We conducted a novel educational model, Multidisciplinary Maternity Health Experiential Training based on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (MMHET), which combined theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and human-centred humanistic care, offering a comprehensive offline education program supported by online teaching materials structured around knowledge graphs. Pre- and post-test surveys were used to assess the changes in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. From May to July 2023, a total of 322 participants attended the course, and only a small percentage had participated in experiential training. For all topics, the vast majority of participants endorsed the course, and the attitude content had the highest percentage of participants who said they agreed. Among the groups with different years of working life, the highest percentage of participants in the >20 years group strongly endorsed the course. The preliminary findings indicate that the MMHET model is well-received and feasible, demonstrating its potential to enhance maternity health management education.

Knowledge, awareness and practices of healthcare workers regarding antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship in Zambia: a multi-facility cross-sectional study.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 HCWs from October to December 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Of the 64 HCWs, 59.4% were females, 60.9% were aged between 25 and 34 years, 37.5% were nurses, 18.7% were pharmacists, 17.2% were medical doctors and only one was a microbiologist. Overall, 75% of the HCWs had good knowledge, 84% were highly aware and 84% had good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS. Most of the HCWs (90.6%) responded that they had a multidisciplinary AMS team at their hospitals and were implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. This study found good knowledge levels, high awareness and good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS among HCWs who were involved in the implementation of AMS activities in hospitals in Zambia. Additionally, most hospitals have been conducting AMS training and implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. However, there is still a need to address some identified gaps in AMU and AMR through the strengthening of AMS activities in hospitals.

Urinary catheterisation among nurses in Sweden: A survey on routines and guideline adherence

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesBladder catheterisation is a common and invasive procedure with guidelines that can prevent or minimize associated complications. However, healthcare workers often do not follow these guidelines. Healthcare systems' strategies, policies and practices which support quality of care could affect the level of guideline adherence. This could be explored by studying adherence in a high‐performing healthcare system with extensive monitoring of health outcomes, such as Sweden. Moreover, there is a lack of relevant literature about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers regarding CAUTI. This study therefore aims to investigate how nurses in Sweden perform bladder catheterisation and identify potential ways to improve adherence to guidelines in order to decrease complications.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was performed between the 21st and 29th of May 2020. A survey including questions on supervision during bladder catheterisation, maintenance of sterility, accidental urine spillage, and potential advantages of a urinary catheter with an integrated valve was distributed through social media channels to Swedish nurses. Participants were anonymous and no personal data was collected. The data was tabulated and analysed using descriptive statistics (Microsoft Excel).ResultsA total of 910 nurses responded to the survey. Respondents worked across several settings, and 76.1% worked within surgical, internal medicine, prehospital, geriatrics or primary care clinics. Respondents had various levels of experience in placing catheters, with 40.3% having inserted less than 50 catheters, and 31.5% having inserted more than 100.54.9% reported that someone had checked that they followed guidelines during catheter insertion. A majority (66.5%) either often or sometimes received assistance during insertion, with only 9.3% always receiving help. Only 9.9% reported always being able to maintain sterility during insertion.58.6% reported inadvertently spilling urine on the material (protective sheet, diaper) 1–5 times during their last 10 catheter insertions, 24.8% reported spilling on the bed or linen, and 15.7% on themselves, the patient or other healthcare staff.When asked about the potential advantages of a urinary catheter with an integrated valve, the most significant advantage cited was the reduced risk of urine leakage (63%), followed by the absence of stress from not having to connect a urine bag or plug (52.1%). 96% of respondents see at least one advantage in such a device.ConclusionsNearly half of nurses have not been audited concerning guideline adherence during bladder catheterisation. Only 10% are able to always maintain sterility, and it is common to spill urine during the catheterization process. Virtually all nurses see at least one advantage in a urinary catheter with an integrated valve.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria on Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Purpose: The role of healthcare workers in cervical cancer prevention is pivotal because healthcare workers’ recommendations have been reported to be a key motivational factor for cervical cancer screening among women in Nigeria. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on cervical cancer prevention is necessary. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving healthcare workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed for the study was used to obtain data about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the healthcare workers. Logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of practice and a p - value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of 188 participants that completed the study, 165(90.7%) had good knowledge about the prevention of cervical cancer while 24(13.2%) had good practice concerning the prevention of cervical cancer. positive attitude (Odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 - 1.35, p &lt; 0.001) increased the odds of good practice. Conclusion: There was no association between the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and the practice of the healthcare workers. Further research is required to explore the incongruence between knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its practice.

45 Evaluation of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Guidelines and Outcomes by Treatment Site in South Africa

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: DR-TB care in South Africa includes decentralized treatment with shorter, all-oral regimens. Treatment guidelines direct regular clinical and laboratory evaluation to assess patient improvement. We therefore measured sputum collection frequency and follow-up time to assess fidelity to these guidelines in Gauteng Province, South Africa. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We included Rifampicin-resistant (RR) sputum specimens from the South African National Health Laboratory Service, which provides pathology services to 80% of the population, submitted between August 2022-September 2023. Patient data were obtained from a DR-TB registry and additional sputum specimen data were collected from follow-up laboratory worksheets. Follow-up spanned from first sputum collection date (baseline) to patient outcome date (e.g., completion, lost) or study closure date (if still on treatment). Monthly sputum submission rate was measured for those with ≥1 additional sputum submitted. We compared patient data by treatment site: at the specialized hospital vs. any other site, using Wilcoxon ranksum and χ2 tests. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Baseline RR-TB specimens were available for 142 patients, of whom 28 (20%) had specimens submitted from the specialized hospital. Patients at the specialized hospital were older (median age 41 vs. 35.5 years, p=0.03), had higher baseline fluoroquinolone resistance (10% vs. 1%, p=0.01), and longer follow-up (median 5.2 vs. 3.5 months, p=0.01) compared to patients elsewhere. Further, 43 (30%) patients had ≥1 additional sputum submitted during follow-up. Among these, monthly sputum collection rates did not differ by site (0.3 vs. 0.3 sputum per month, p=0.89). We anticipate that increased sputum frequency will be associated with successful TB treatment outcomes based on preliminary findings. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight ongoing challenges with routine laboratory follow-up according to DR-TB guidelines across treatment sites in South Africa. Future research is needed to determine reasons for low sputum collection rates, such as low patient adherence, variation in practice of healthcare workers, loss to follow-up, and clinical challenges.

Insights of Healthcare Workers and Community Members on Mental Health Perception and Practices in Meru County, Kenya

Mental health is a neglected field in many low and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, where information on the prevalence of mental health conditions is scarce. This problem is aggravated by an uneven distribution of mental health service providers and widespread ignorance and stigma around mental illness in the general population. The study in Meru County, Kenya, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers and community members regarding mental health. The study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey, involved 535 community members and 109 healthcare workers, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and analysed using univariate frequencies, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis. The study revealed that 39% of community members had a family member with a mental health condition, while 68% of HCWs had been diagnosed with such conditions. Mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes, genetics, substance abuse, and socio-economic pressures. A significant gap was found in the availability of counselling services in health facilities, with only 29.4% of HCWs reporting their presence. The perception of the affordability and accessibility of mental health services varied greatly between HCWs and community members. Additionally, while HCWs reported the availability of free medication, community members experienced shortages. The study also noted differing attitudes towards patients with mental illness in terms of respect and dignity and highlighted the use of traditional healers and religious leaders for mental health issues. This study contributes valuable insights into the state of mental health in Kenya, highlighting the high burden of mental illness, limited availability of services, and prevalent myths and misconceptions. It underscores the need for improved healthcare worker training, public awareness, and stronger health systems to address mental health issues effectively in Kenya and similar rural environments

Antibiotic resistance in Sudan: assessing the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers in Khartoum.

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a major public health issue, associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality globally, with significantly higher rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Assessment of contextual factors, such as information, education, infrastructure and regulations are important for developing local solutions against ABR. To determine the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards ABR in hospitals in Sudan. A survey was conducted in three different hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan from February to December 2020. HCWs of different specialties and expertise were invited to participate. Data were descriptively analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). ABR was identified as a big challenge by 89% of 345 HCWs who participated. The results show that 79% of doctors don't rely on the clinical microbiology laboratory (CML) results for antibiotic prescription or clinical decision-making. Sixty percent of HCWs agreed there are infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines in their hospital, but 74% of them don't have access to them, and infrequently receive relevant IPC training. Furthermore, HCWs obtain ABR information from other colleagues informally, not through local data or reports. Despite adequate knowledge of ABR locally, there are significant contextual technical challenges facing HCWs in Sudan, such as availability of policies and accurate data from CMLs. The results indicate a poor link between HCWs and the CMLs for infection management and it is essential to improve communication between the different hospital departments with regard to ABR transmission, and ensure the effectiveness of local IPC policies based on locally available data.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers regarding the prevention of nosocomial infections in the ICU

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care personnel regarding the prevention of nosocomial infections in the ICU. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, study that took place in the intensive care units of two university hospitals of Yaoundé. Our study was conducted in two phases: the first phase consisted of the administration of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire to the health care personnel who agreed to participate in the study, and the second phase permitted us to evaluate the personnel’s’ practices using the WHO model observation form. Data analysis was done using CS-Pro version 7.5, Microsoft® Office Excel 2013 and S.P.S.S. 21.0. Results: Our sample consisted of 60 practitioners. The sex-ratio was 0.54. The mean age was 38.35 ± 8.86 years. Most of the staff had been in the ICU for less than 5 years and only 35% of the staff had received at least one continuing education course on infection control measures. Good knowledge was found in 70% of the staff assessed, 60% had incorrect attitudes, and 63% had inadequate practices. The rate of compliance with good hygiene practices was 55.2%. Conclusion: Knowledge were mean, attitudes were wrong and practices were inadequate regarding the management of nosocomial infections in the ICU.

A Study to Assess The Knowledge and Practice of Healthcare Workers and The General Public About Generic and Branded Medicine In Bengaluru

Background A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents. The Indian government launched a project called the Jan Aushadhi Scheme to provide low-income people with unbranded quality medicines at affordable prices.Objective The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of healthcare workers and the general public about generic and branded drugs.Methodology It was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study done with 150 respondents each from the general public and healthcare workers using a convenience sampling method.Results Among healthcare workers 52 had moderate and 48 had good knowledge and practice of generic medicines. Among the general public 65.3 had moderate and 34.7 had good knowledge of generic medicine and 30 had moderate and 70 had good practice. The study revealed that the age group 20-29 years had greater knowledge and participants with higher-level education had greater belief in the efficacy of generic medicine. The maximum 52 of the general public had agreed that if the doctor prescribes generic medicine then they will use generic medicine.Conclusion The study revealed that healthcare workers had more knowledge about generic medicine than the general public and the general public had better practice of generic medicine than healthcare workers. The study revealed that men were more knowledgeable about generic medicines than women among the general public.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Workers Towards the Care of the Elderly in PHCC Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Aging is a universal phenomenon that is obvious as well as inevitable. Old age is a significant stage in life and normally related to life expectancy of given area, hence the conditions and the needs of the aged becomes imperative. Care of the elderly is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. It covers such services as assisted living, adult day care, long term care, nursing homes, hospice care and home care. This study was aimed to assessed knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers towards the care of the elderly in PHCC Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State. A cross-sectional research design was employed with 108 sampled calculated using Yamane’s formula. Proportionate allocation and simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the HCW from each PHCC. The structured interviewer questionnaire was used to collect data. An ethical approval was obtained and permission granted for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 where the results has been and presented in tables and diagrams. The study revealed that there is good knowledge (82%), attitude (65%) and practice (64%) of the care of the elderly. Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practice play a major role in the care of the elderly at PHCC and concerns authorities should continue to support the care of the elderly.

Practice of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Emergency Department of Nepal

Background: The study intends to explore the effects and practice of healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic at the emergency department of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among the healthcare workers of the Emergency Department of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from August 2020 to Jan 2021. Data were collected by using a semi-structured interview among all the participants in the survey. A convenient sampling method was used and analysed using descriptive statistics. A p value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Majority of the healthcare workers (90%) stated that their role has increased during COVID 19 first wave pandemic. A similar percentage (71%) noticed change in their duty hours and subsequently Isolation/ Quarantine. More than half (53%) stated that efforts been undertaken to bring additional health care workers to emergency department on basis of safety and preservation of workforce. The institute was able to train (47%) health care workers regarding proper handling of personal protective equipment despite of its insufficient (70%) supply. Conclusion: The results take exceptions in the emergency department despite insufficient supply of personal protective equipment, longtime exposure to large numbers of infected patients and insufficient care to quarantine a majority of the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Knowledge and practices of healthcare workers in prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections in the Maternity Department at Bindura Provincial Hospital, Zimbabwe

Infections acquired in hospitals are the most frequent negative consequences of the healthcare delivery system, which affects both developed and developing nations. Among hospitalized patients and healthcare professionals, they are among the top causes of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, healthcare professionals are crucial in preventing and controlling hospital-acquired illnesses and safeguarding patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the Maternity Department at Bindura Provincial Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 46 participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Of which, 54.3% had 2 to 5 years of experience. With regard to the knowledge of HAIs, 59% of HCWs did not know what HAIs were, 57% did not know that cleaners and mothers should be engaged in infection prevention and control (IPC) activities, whereas 85% did not know that ventilator-associated infections and COVID-19 (57%) are HAIs. Segregation of waste was shown to be poorly practiced with 56% of HCWs, 65% were unaware of the hospital’s IPC policy, and 7% had never utilize the manuals of standard operating procedures when performing their jobs. This study recommended that every HCW should receive instruction on IPC methods from the facilities’ IPC coordinators, who should also regularly supervise the staff to monitor compliance with IPC. Mothers should receive more education on the prevention of infections when first admitted to the ward.