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Background <p>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major problem in healthcare facilities. In Cameroon, maternal and neonatal mortality remain a concern. The underlying determinants include shortcomings in the quality of care, inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent application of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. The objective of this study was to identify risks that increase the likelihood of HAIs in the obstetrics-gynecology unit of a referral hospital of Yaoundé.</p> Methods <p>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the obstetrics-gynecology department of referral hospital of Yaoundé from April to July 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A World Health Organization (WHO) tool was used to assess knowledge of hand hygiene, and scores were categorized as good (≥ 75%), average (50–74%), and poor (&lt; 50%). An appropriate WHO tool was also used to assess the level of implementation of the IPC framework.</p> Results <p>A total of 41 healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in the study. Participants were predominantly female (78%) and aged 20–57 years (median: 30 years). Hand hygiene knowledge was average, with a median score of 60%. More than two-thirds of respondents (<i>n</i> = 30; 73%) reported that they did not systematically practice hand hygiene before and after patient care. The most common reason for not practicing hand washing was the absence of a hand-washing site near their healthcare post (57%). Face shields were the most frequently reported unavailable equipment (81%). Nearly one-third of HCWs (34%, <i>n</i> = 14) reported having received training in IPC measures, with paramedics being the most represented (52%). In contrast, no medical students reported having received this training. Most HCWs reported having received hand hygiene training, with a particularly high proportion among medical students (80%). Most participants (80%) reported having received training two years ago or more. Less than one-third of respondents (24%) reported the availability of posters on equipment sterilization protocols. The overall score (335.6/800) indicated that the obstetrics-gynecology department had a basic level of implementation of IPC interventions.</p> Conclusions <p>Suboptimal IPC implementation was observed in this obstetrics-gynecology setting. Comprehensive interventions are needed, including strengthened IPC adherence, healthcare worker education, and the establishment of regular IPC framework assessment.</p>

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Knowledge and practices of infection prevention and control measures in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a referral hospital in Cameroon

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月24日

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  • Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem,
  • Emilia Enjema Lyonga,
  • Innocent Takougang

摘要

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major problem in healthcare facilities. In Cameroon, maternal and neonatal mortality remain a concern. The underlying determinants include shortcomings in the quality of care, inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent application of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. The objective of this study was to identify risks that increase the likelihood of HAIs in the obstetrics-gynecology unit of a referral hospital of Yaoundé.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the obstetrics-gynecology department of referral hospital of Yaoundé from April to July 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A World Health Organization (WHO) tool was used to assess knowledge of hand hygiene, and scores were categorized as good (≥ 75%), average (50–74%), and poor (< 50%). An appropriate WHO tool was also used to assess the level of implementation of the IPC framework.

Results

A total of 41 healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in the study. Participants were predominantly female (78%) and aged 20–57 years (median: 30 years). Hand hygiene knowledge was average, with a median score of 60%. More than two-thirds of respondents (n = 30; 73%) reported that they did not systematically practice hand hygiene before and after patient care. The most common reason for not practicing hand washing was the absence of a hand-washing site near their healthcare post (57%). Face shields were the most frequently reported unavailable equipment (81%). Nearly one-third of HCWs (34%, n = 14) reported having received training in IPC measures, with paramedics being the most represented (52%). In contrast, no medical students reported having received this training. Most HCWs reported having received hand hygiene training, with a particularly high proportion among medical students (80%). Most participants (80%) reported having received training two years ago or more. Less than one-third of respondents (24%) reported the availability of posters on equipment sterilization protocols. The overall score (335.6/800) indicated that the obstetrics-gynecology department had a basic level of implementation of IPC interventions.

Conclusions

Suboptimal IPC implementation was observed in this obstetrics-gynecology setting. Comprehensive interventions are needed, including strengthened IPC adherence, healthcare worker education, and the establishment of regular IPC framework assessment.