Prevention and Control of Healthcare-Associated with Infections in Birth Rooms of Referral Hospitals in Ouagadougou: Availability of Equipment, Knowledge and Practices of Health Workers

Abstract

Objective: The neonatal mortality rate remains a serious problem in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa such as Burkina Faso, where, in 2010 this mortality rate was 28 per 1000 live births [1] [2]. Its reduction is possible and passes first by the strict prevention of infections in birth rooms. The objective of this study was to describe the practices of infection prevention in the birth rooms of seven referral hospitals in Ouagadougou from April 1 to July 31, 2016. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the rules of prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (PCHAI) among 123 consenting health workers who provided birth room care in 7 hospitals in Ouagadougou. Data were collected through individual interviews and direct observations. The study was authorized by the Institutional Ethics Committee in 2015 under the number 32. The data analysis was done with the Epi Info software version 2000. Results: The “five clean in the birth room” were known by 26.83%. Regarding the equipment used for PCHAI, sterile gloves were mentioned by 75.61% of the agents, the source of clean water by 62.60% and soap by 57.11%; in practice, 17.07% of the respondents had not washed their hands and 42 providers (34%) had not performed with complete mastery the wearing of sterile gloves before giving birth, and 55.28% had not cleaned the perineum. Conclusion: Deficiencies in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections have been identified. Training on infection prevention in the neonatal period is needed for the benefit of hospital providers.