tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
J Infect Prev
. 2022 May;23(3):101-107.
doi: 10.1177/17571774211060418. Epub 2022 Feb 22.
An assessment of infection prevention and control preparedness of healthcare facilities in Nigeria in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (February-May 2020)
Tochi Joy Okwor[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Josephine Gatua[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Stephen Abah[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Ifeanyi Franklin Ike[SUP] 5 [/SUP], Abiodun Ogunniyi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Oladipupo Ipadeola[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Timothy Attah[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Hassan Assad[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Jerome Dooga[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Adebola Olayinka[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Jafiya Abubakar[SUP] 1 [/SUP], John Oladejo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Olaolu Aderinola[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Chibuzo Eneh[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Elsie Ilori[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Priscilla Ibekwe[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Chinwe Ochu[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Chikwe Ihekweazu[SUP] 1 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) activities play a large role in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. This study describes the state of IPC preparedness within health facilities in Nigeria during the early phase of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods: We carried out a cross sectional study of health facilities across Nigeria using a COVID-19 IPC checklist adapted from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The IPC aspects assessed were the existence of IPC committee and teams with terms of reference and workplans, IPC training, availability of personal protective equipment and having systems in place for screening, isolation and notification of COVID-19 patients. Existence of the assessed aspects was regarded as preparedness in that aspect.
Results: In total, 461 health facilities comprising, 350 (75.9%) private and 111 (24.1%) public health facilities participated. Only 19 (4.1%) health facilities were COVID-19 treatment centres with 68% of these being public health facilities. Public health facilities were better prepared in the areas of IPC programme with 69.7% of them having an IPC focal point versus 32.3% of private facilities. More public facilities (59.6%) had an IPC workplan versus 26.8% of private facilities. Neither the public nor the private facilities were adequately prepared for triaging, screening, and notifying suspected cases, as well as having trained staff and equipment to implement triaging.
Conclusions: The results highlight the need for government, organisations and policymakers to establish conducive IPC structures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in healthcare settings.
Keywords: COVID-19; Nigeria; infection prevention and control; pandemic; preparedness.
. 2022 May;23(3):101-107.
doi: 10.1177/17571774211060418. Epub 2022 Feb 22.
An assessment of infection prevention and control preparedness of healthcare facilities in Nigeria in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (February-May 2020)
Tochi Joy Okwor[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Josephine Gatua[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Stephen Abah[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Ifeanyi Franklin Ike[SUP] 5 [/SUP], Abiodun Ogunniyi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Oladipupo Ipadeola[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Timothy Attah[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Hassan Assad[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Jerome Dooga[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Adebola Olayinka[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Jafiya Abubakar[SUP] 1 [/SUP], John Oladejo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Olaolu Aderinola[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Chibuzo Eneh[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Elsie Ilori[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Priscilla Ibekwe[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Chinwe Ochu[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Chikwe Ihekweazu[SUP] 1 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 35502165
- PMCID: PMC8872810
- DOI: 10.1177/17571774211060418
Abstract
Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) activities play a large role in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. This study describes the state of IPC preparedness within health facilities in Nigeria during the early phase of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods: We carried out a cross sectional study of health facilities across Nigeria using a COVID-19 IPC checklist adapted from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The IPC aspects assessed were the existence of IPC committee and teams with terms of reference and workplans, IPC training, availability of personal protective equipment and having systems in place for screening, isolation and notification of COVID-19 patients. Existence of the assessed aspects was regarded as preparedness in that aspect.
Results: In total, 461 health facilities comprising, 350 (75.9%) private and 111 (24.1%) public health facilities participated. Only 19 (4.1%) health facilities were COVID-19 treatment centres with 68% of these being public health facilities. Public health facilities were better prepared in the areas of IPC programme with 69.7% of them having an IPC focal point versus 32.3% of private facilities. More public facilities (59.6%) had an IPC workplan versus 26.8% of private facilities. Neither the public nor the private facilities were adequately prepared for triaging, screening, and notifying suspected cases, as well as having trained staff and equipment to implement triaging.
Conclusions: The results highlight the need for government, organisations and policymakers to establish conducive IPC structures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in healthcare settings.
Keywords: COVID-19; Nigeria; infection prevention and control; pandemic; preparedness.