Submission ID 116924
| Issue/Objective | In conflict-affected settings, numerous barriers impede effective infection prevention and control, resulting in hospital-acquired infections and contributing to antimicrobial resistance a significant global health threat. This study aimed to evaluate the infection prevention and control (IPC) status of public hospitals in post-war Tigray, Ethiopia, utilizing the World Health Organization (WHO) Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) and the Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment (HHSA) tool. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Data were collected from June to July 2024 using standardized WHO IPCAF and HHSA tools across 33 hospitals. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and independent t-tests were employed for data analysis. |
| Results | The overall median IPCAF score for the 33 hospitals was 348 (IQR: 258 - 439), indicating a basic level of IPC. The mean HHSA score was 126 (range: 15-318), reflecting inadequate hand hygiene practices. Most facilities demonstrated basic IPC levels, with insufficient hand hygiene protocols. During the conflict, healthcare workers faced shortages of medical supplies, leading to unconventional practices such as reusing gloves, using white cloth brought in by patients as gauze, and working without personal protective equipment. A strong positive correlation was observed between IPCAF and HHSA scores (r = 0.765, p < 0.001). |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The IPC levels in post-war hospitals in Tigray were found to be unsatisfactory, with deficiencies evident across all zones and types of facilities. This situation heightens the risk of healthcare-associated infections for healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Akeza Awealom Asgedom Mekelle University Akeza Awealom Asgedom Mekelle University Ana Lorena Ruano University of Bergen Bente Elisabeth Moen University of Bergen |
