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Abstract
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the level of awareness and compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures among healthcare professionals at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure representation across various professional categories, and a total of 300 participants were selected. Of these, 298 correctly filled and returned the questionnaires, yielding a high response rate of 99.3%. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the results. Findings revealed that 76.5% of respondents demonstrated a
good level of awareness of IPC practices. The overall mean score for awareness was 1.8, above the threshold cut-off of 1.5, indicating adequate knowledge among healthcare professionals about critical IPC measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps. Regarding compliance, 82.1% of participants reported adhering consistently to IPC protocols. The grand mean score for compliance was 3.6, exceeding the cut-off point of 2.5, signifying a high level of practical application of IPC guidelines. The highest levels of compliance were reported in the use of PPE (87.2%) and proper waste disposal (84.6%). The study concluded that healthcare professionals at UBTH exhibit a high level of awareness and compliance with IPC measures. Nonetheless, the findings also indicate areas where consistency in practice could be improved, particularly in low-resource settings within the facility. It is recommended that regular in-service training, continuous monitoring, and institutional support be provided to maintain and enhance IPC standards. This approach will help foster a culture of safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
good level of awareness of IPC practices. The overall mean score for awareness was 1.8, above the threshold cut-off of 1.5, indicating adequate knowledge among healthcare professionals about critical IPC measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps. Regarding compliance, 82.1% of participants reported adhering consistently to IPC protocols. The grand mean score for compliance was 3.6, exceeding the cut-off point of 2.5, signifying a high level of practical application of IPC guidelines. The highest levels of compliance were reported in the use of PPE (87.2%) and proper waste disposal (84.6%). The study concluded that healthcare professionals at UBTH exhibit a high level of awareness and compliance with IPC measures. Nonetheless, the findings also indicate areas where consistency in practice could be improved, particularly in low-resource settings within the facility. It is recommended that regular in-service training, continuous monitoring, and institutional support be provided to maintain and enhance IPC standards. This approach will help foster a culture of safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
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