FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE TRANSMISSION OF HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS AMONG PATIENTS AT JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFFERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

x ABSTRACT Healthcare-associated infections are nosocomial acquired infections that are typically not present or might be incubating at the time of admission. These infections are usually acquired after hospitalization and manifest 48 hours after admission to the hospital The objectives of this study with respect to spread of hospital acquired infections among patients include how poor hand hygiene among HCWs leads to the spread of HAIs, how lack sterilization of surfaces in patients care areas leads to the spread of HAI, and how medical equipment can contribute to the spread of HAI. The target population is HCWs, medical and nursing students rotating at JOOTRH. I will use the cross sectional research design. Random sampling will be applied. Structured questionnaires will be administered to random HCWs in the facility. Data will be stored and analyzed via MS excel in form of pie charts, bar graphs and tables. Key findings of this study were poor hand hygiene among HCWs, lack of sterilization of surfaces in patients‟ care areas and medical equipment contributed to the spread of HAI among patients. Recommendations include adherence to hand hygiene practice, creation of awareness through educating programs on the importance of hand hygiene, cleaning of patients‟ surfaces and proper handling of medical equipment, ensuring availability of points of hand washing, aseptic agents and equipment of CSSD with necessary materials and improvement of hospital surveillance and introduction of disciplinary measures to any HCW found to be handling patients unprofessionally.