ABSTRACT
Background: Health acquired infections (HAIs) or Nosocomial infections are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients it is important to minimize the lack of infection control measures to help reduce the risk of highly infectious and fatal diseases like hepatitis, aids. Tuberculosis etc. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the infection control practices in the Primary Healthcare Centers of Peshawar by guidelines issued by the CDC and WHO. Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was undertaken.
Setting: Basic Health Units of Peshawar
Methods: Data was collected from 10 medical in charges from 10 different Basic Health Units of Peshawar through an infection control assessment tool for primary health care centers issued by the CDC,
Results: Standard infection control procedures were followed in sixty percent of the facilities, however, written protocols/policies were available in only 30% of the facilities. Alcohol rubs were not used for hand cleaning and surgical gloves were not reused, while gloves with antiseptic preparation were only available at 10% of the facilities. However, gloves were disposed-off in 100% of the facilities and were not reused. Running water was only available in 40% of the facilities and wash basins with knee or elbow taps were not observed at 70% of the facilities. 80% of the respondents admitted to having received training/orientation on infection control.
Conclusion: While some aspects of infection control like hand hygiene, waste disposal systems, gloves are up to par, there needs to be more work done in some areas like infection control programs and training.
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