Assessment of Bacterial Burden and Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Health Workers on Nosocomial Infection in General Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State

Background: Nosocomial infection constitute over 25% of infection rates in the hospital setting causing significant morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries [1]. Microorganisms are present in the hospital environment including surfaces of sinks, taps, bedpans, beds, floors, bedspreads, stethoscopes, chairs, cupboards, theatre rooms, on surgical instruments [2]. Microbes in hospital public spaces have been a concern driven subject of significant importance, most especially in developing countries where nosocomial infection is considered to be two to three folds higher than in the developed countries [3].

Methodology: A qualitative survey involved the administration of a structured questionnaire to elicit data on the human dimensions for assessing the knowledge attitude and practice of health worker in nosocomial infection from different Units and Departments of the General Hospital Ilorin. Also, laboratory analysis of samples collected from contact surfaces from different wards was done.

Results: Showed the practices of health workers that influences nosocomial infection, it indicates a higher percentage (63.7) of the population do not use personal protective equipment(PPE), The waste disposal method open dumping takes the highest percentage (55%) also, once in a day hospital disinfection is indicated by highest percentage (43.3%). Highest percentage (40.8%) Indicated that Izal is used for disinfection A higher percentage (56.8%) indicated that there is no Steady water supply. Highest percentage (59.2%) of the population study indicated that the source of water supply is well.

Conclusion: The burden of HAIs is very high, knowledge of workers concerning HAIs is adequate yet the attitude and practice to prevent HAIs is poor, despite the more scientific knowledge on the roles of inanimate objects in the spread of hospital acquired infections, it is starling that only a minority of healthcare worker takes appropriate steps to counter this transmissibility.