FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SPREAD OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN NEWBORN UNIT AT JARAMONGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KISUMU COUNTY

Abstract

Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), present a critical challenge such as long hospital stay and death in neonatal care, particularly within the Newborn Unit at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu. Despite the significance of this healthcare setting, the factors contributing to the spread of infections remain inadequately studied. This mixed-methods study adopts a comprehensive approach, combining surveys, interviews, and observational studies to investigate key elements influencing nosocomial infections. The quantitative component utilizes structured surveys to assess hand hygiene practices, environmental conditions, staff training, sterilization processes, patient care practices, and visitor policies. Concurrently, the qualitative component involves in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals and caregivers to uncover shortcomings, challenges, and suggestions related to infection control measures. Additionally, observational studies directly evaluate hand hygiene practices and environmental factors. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data was help to understand the problem. Ethical considerations, including informed consent by the respondents and institutional review board approval was guide the research process. Limitations, such as the cross-sectional nature of the study and potential context-specific findings, are acknowledged. This study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance infection control measures within the Newborn Unit, contributing to improved neonatal healthcare practices and serving as a foundation for future research in similar healthcare settings. Confidentiality of data collected is assured by ensuring that the research instruments remain anonymous. Data collected from respondents was cleaned, coded and entered into research data repository.