Factors Impacting Nurses' Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control Protocols: A study at Central Hospital in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nurses generally play a vital role in fostering patient care and safety, and they take lead in explaining to patients’ infection control protocols. This study evaluated factors impacting nurses’ compliance with infection prevention and control measures at the Central Hospital, Sapele, Delta State using descriptive research design and convenience sampling techniques. The sample size of 133 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. A self- developed questionnaire was used. 133 copies of the questionnaires were administered; however, 100 copies of the questionnaires were successfully retrieved. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A criterion mean of 1.50 was used as a benchmark for acceptance. The results are presented in tables. Findings from this study revealed that most of the participants knew that infection prevention and control is the approach to prevent, control and minimize harm caused by infection to patients and health workers. Inappropriate provision of infection prevention and control supplies (44%), poor maintenance of medical equipment (25%), inappropriate provision of adequate infection prevention supplies (45%), the unavailability of policies and guidelines (23%), etc. were factors influencing compliance level. In conclusion, there is adequate knowledge of infection prevention and control among nurses. Inappropriate provision of infection prevention and control (IPC) supplies was the highest factor hindering compliance with infection prevention and control, while, the provision of adequate infection prevention supplies was the highest factor that promotes compliance to infection prevention and control. However, there was no significant relationship between the level of knowledge and the factors influencing compliance with infection prevention and control. Hence, there is urgent need to establish policies and guidelines on infection control practices and this should be strictly followed.