Approach and responsiveness of health care workers towards nosocomial infections in a teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed Approach and responsiveness of health care workers in LAUTECH teaching Hospital 
Osogbo towards Nosocomial infections. Regardless of progress in health care system, Nosocomial 
infections still remains an avertable disease intimidating public health. Descriptive cross sectional study 
among hospital workers using multistage sampling method was used. Research instruments were semi 
structured self administered and pre-tested questionnaires, and data analyzed using the SPSS software. 
Eighty three (91.2%), 77 (84.6%) and 59 (64.8%) of the health workers were aware of patients, hospital staff 
and hospital environment, respectively as causes of nosocomial infections. Thirty one (34.1%) were aware 
of presence of their hospital policy on control of nosocomial infections, while 36(39.6%) were aware of 
presence of infection control committee in the hospital. Twelve (13.2%) has ever notified nosocomial 
infection. Preventive practices towards nosocomial infections were favourable for hand washing, and 
unfavourable for self reporting to the staff clinic when sick. There is no significant association between ever 
reported or willingness to report nosocomial infections and awareness of hospital policy or presence of 
infection control committee in the hospital (P > 0.05). There is a need to raise awareness on nosocomial 
infections among health care workers as well as preventive measures against these infections.