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Hand Hygiene Compliance at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Gladys Nanilla Kamara

    (Joint Medical Unit, Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Stephen Sevalie

    (Joint Medical Unit, Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
    Department of Clinical Research, Sustainable Health Systems, 34 Military Hospital Research Center, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Bailah Molleh

    (Department of Clinical Research, Sustainable Health Systems, 34 Military Hospital Research Center, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Zikan Koroma

    (Department of Laboratory, Diagnostics and Blood Services, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Christiana Kallon

    (Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Anna Maruta

    (Infection Prevention and Control, World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara

    (Infection Prevention and Control, World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Joseph Sam Kanu

    (Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Julian S. O. Campbell

    (Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) and Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Hemant Deepak Shewade

    (Division of Health System Research, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai 600077, India)

  • Saskia van Henten

    (Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Anthony D. Harries

    (Centre for Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), 75001 Paris, France
    Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E7HT, UK)

Abstract

Hand hygiene actions are essential to reduce healthcare-associated infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance. In this cross-sectional study at two tertiary hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, we observed hand hygiene compliance (defined as using handwash with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) amongst healthcare workers between June and August 2021. Using the WHO Hand Hygiene tool, observations were made in relation to the type of opportunity, different wards and types of healthcare worker. Overall, 10,461 opportunities for hand hygiene were observed, of which 5086 (49%) resulted in hand hygiene actions. ABHR was used more often than handwash (26% versus 23%, p < 0.001). Overall, compliance was significantly better: after being with a patient/doing a procedure than before (78% after body fluid exposure risk compared with 24% before touching a patient— p < 0.001); in Paediatric (61%) compared with Medical wards (46%)— p < 0.001; and amongst nurses (52%) compared with doctors (44%)— p < 0.001. Similar patterns of compliance were observed within each hospital. In summary, hand hygiene compliance was sub-optimal, especially before being with a patient or before clean/aseptic procedures. Improvement is needed through locally adapted training, hand hygiene reminders in wards and outpatient departments, uninterrupted provision of ABHR and innovative ways to change behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • Gladys Nanilla Kamara & Stephen Sevalie & Bailah Molleh & Zikan Koroma & Christiana Kallon & Anna Maruta & Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara & Joseph Sam Kanu & Julian S. O. Campbell & Hemant Deepak Shewade & S, 2022. "Hand Hygiene Compliance at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2978-:d:763700
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