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Fofanah BD, Kamara IF, Kallon C, Kamara R, Nuwagira I, Musoke R, Tengbe SM, Lakoh S, Korjie MM, Sheriff B, Maruta A, Katawera V, Kamara A, Hailu BG, Kanu JS, Makamure T, Njuguna C, Kabego L. Evaluating the tolerability and acceptability of a locally produced alcohol-based handrub and hand hygiene behaviour among health workers in Sierra Leone: a longitudinal hospital-based intervention study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:940. [PMID: 39152407 PMCID: PMC11329988 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) is the gold standard for hand hygiene (HH) and is a cornerstone of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. However, several factors influence the efficient use of ABHR by health workers. This study evaluated the tolerability and acceptability of a locally produced ABHR product and HH behaviour among health workers. METHODS A longitudinal hospital-based intervention study was conducted in accordance with the WHO's standardized protocol for evaluating ABHR tolerability and acceptability (Method 1). Sixty health workers across 4 hospitals in Sierra Leone were observed over a 30-day period at three separate visits (days 1, 3-5, and 30) by trained observers. The outcomes of interest included skin tolerability and product acceptabilityevaluated using subjective and objective measures. RESULTS Objective and subjective evaluations demonstrated strong skin tolerability and high acceptability with the product. At all three visits, the skin tolerability score assessed by trained observers was < 2 in ≥ 97% of participants, exceeding the WHO benchmark score (BMS = < 2 in ≥ 75%). Participants' self-evaluations of overall skin integrity were 97% (visit 2) and 98% (visit 3) for scores > 4 (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 75%). The primary acceptability criteria increased up to 95% (colour) and 88% (smell) at visit 3 (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 50%). Despite high acceptability, the product's drying effect remained low at 52% and 58% during visits 2 and 3, respectively (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 75%). There were positive HH behaviours (n = 53, 88%), with more than half (n = 38, 63%) of them exhibiting HH at almost every HH moment. The mean ABHR was notably high (76.1 ml, SD ± 35), especially among nurses (mean = 80.1 ml) and doctors (mean = 74.0 ml). CONCLUSION The WHO-formulated, locally produced ABHR was well tolerated and accepted by health workers. These findings support the continuous utilization of evidence-based, cost-effective hand hygiene interventions in resource-limited settings. High handrub consumption and frequent HH practices were noticeable HH behaviours. Further research is recommended to optimize product formulations for skin dryness and investigate the association between ABHR consumption and hand hygiene compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Musoke
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Bockarie Sheriff
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Anna Maruta
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Abibatu Kamara
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Tendai Makamure
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Charles Njuguna
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Landry Kabego
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
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Lakoh S, Yi L, Russell JBW, Zhang J, Sevalie S, Zhao Y, Kanu JS, Liu P, Conteh SK, Williams CEE, Barrie U, Adekanmbi O, Jiba DF, Kamara MN, Sesay D, Deen GF, Okeibunor JC, Yendewa GA, Guo X, Firima E. High incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and related antibiotic resistance in two hospitals of different geographic regions of Sierra Leone: a prospective cohort study. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:301. [PMID: 37907960 PMCID: PMC10619308 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06591-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are common worldwide, but due to limited resources, its actual burden in low-income countries is unknown. Currently, there are gaps in knowledge about CAUTI due to lack of surveillance activities in Sierra Leone. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to determine the incidence of CAUTI and associated antibiotic resistance in two tertiary hospitals in different regions of Sierra Leone. RESULTS The mean age of the 459 recruited patients was 48.8 years. The majority were females (236, 51.3%). Amongst the 196 (42.6%) catheterized patients, 29 (14.8%) developed CAUTI. Bacterial growth was reported in 32 (84%) patients. Escherichia coli (14, 23.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10, 17.0%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (8, 13.6%) were the most common isolates. Most isolates were ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (33, 56%) and WHO Priority 1 (Critical) pathogens (38, 71%). Resistance of K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, E. coli, and Proteus mirabilis was higher with the third-generation cephalosporins and penicillins but lower with carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin. To reduce the high incidence of CAUTI and multi-drug resistance organisms, urgent action is needed to strengthen the microbiology diagnostic services and develop and implement catheter bundles that provide clear guidance for catheter insertion, care and removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Le Yi
- Tropical Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Center, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James B W Russell
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Juling Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Stephen Sevalie
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- 34 Military Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Tropical Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Center, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Sarah K Conteh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Christine Ellen Elleanor Williams
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Darlinda F Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Matilda N Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Daniel Sesay
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F Deen
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - George A Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xuejun Guo
- Tropical Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Center, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- , SolidarMed, Maseru, Lesotho
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria
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3
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Lakoh S, Williams CEE, Sevalie S, Russell JBW, Conteh SK, Kanu JS, Barrie U, Deen GF, Maruta A, Sesay D, Adekanmbi O, Jiba DF, Okeibunor JC, Yendewa GA, Firima E. Antibiotic use and consumption among medical patients of two hospitals in Sierra Leone: a descriptive report. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:737. [PMID: 37891476 PMCID: PMC10612171 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although one of the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance is inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, there are limited resources to support the surveillance of antibiotic consumption in low-income countries. In this study, we aimed to assess antibiotic use and consumption among medical patients of two hospitals in different geographic regions of Sierra Leone. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of adult (18 years or older) patients receiving medical care at two hospitals (34 Military Hospital-MH and Makeni Government Hospital-MGH) between March 2021 and October 2021. After admission to the medical or intensive care unit, patients were sequentially recruited by a nurse from each hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics and information on the dose of antibiotics, their routes, and frequency of administration and duration were collected using a questionnaire adapted from previous studies and encrypted in EpiCollect software (Epic, Verona WI). A physician reviews and verifies each completed questionnaire. Data analysis was done using STATA version 16. RESULTS The mean age of the 468 patients evaluated in this study was 48.6 years. The majority were women (241, 51.7%) and treated at MGH (245, 52.0%). Clinical diagnosis of bacterial infection was made in only 180 (38.5%) patients. Regardless of the diagnosis, most (442, 94.9%) patients received at least one antibiotic. Of a total 813 doses of antibiotics prescribed by the two hospitals, 424 (52.2%) were administered in MH. Overall, antibiotic consumption was 66.9 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 bed-days, with ceftriaxone being the most commonly used antibiotic (277, 34.1%). The ACCESS and WATCH antibiotics accounted for 18.9 DDDs per 100 bed-days (28.2%) and 48.0 DDDs per 100 bed-days (71.7%), respectively. None of the patients were prescribed a RESERVE antibiotics. The antibiotic consumption was lower in MH (61.3 DDDs per 100 bed-days) than MGH (76.5 DDDs per 100 bed-days). CONCLUSION Antibiotic consumption was highest with ceftriaxone, followed by levofloxacin and metronidazole. Given the high rate of consumption of antibiotics in the WATCH category of the AWaRe classification, there is a need to initiate surveillance of antibiotic consumption and establish hospital-based antibiotic stewardship in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Christine Ellen Elleanor Williams
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Stephen Sevalie
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- 34 Military Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James B W Russell
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sarah K Conteh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F Deen
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Anna Maruta
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Daniel Sesay
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Darlinda F Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - George A Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Ohio, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH, Cleveland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SolidarMed, Maseru, Lesotho
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria
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Kamara MN, Lakoh S, Kallon C, Kanu JS, Kamara RZ, Kamara IF, Moiwo MM, Kpagoi SSTK, Adekanmbi O, Manzi M, Fofanah BD, Shewade HD. Hand Hygiene Practices and Promotion in Public Hospitals in Western Sierra Leone: Changes Following Operational Research in 2021. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:486. [PMID: 37999605 PMCID: PMC10674222 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8110486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hand hygiene is the most important intervention for preventing healthcare-associated infections and can reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. We described the changes in hand hygiene practices and promotion in 13 public hospitals (six secondary and seven tertiary) in the Western Area of Sierra Leone following the implementation of recommendations from an operational research study. This was a "before and after" observational study involving two routine cross-sectional assessments using the WHO hand hygiene self-assessment framework (HHSAF) tool. The overall mean HHSAF score changed from 273 in May 2021 to 278 in April 2023; it decreased from 278 to 250 for secondary hospitals but increased from 263 to 303 for tertiary hospitals. The overall mean HHSAF score and that of the tertiary hospitals remained at the "intermediate" level, while secondary hospitals declined from "intermediate" to "basic" level. The mean score increased for the "system change" and "institutional safety climate" domains, decreased for "training and education" and "reminders in the workplace" domains, and remained the same for the "evaluation and feedback" domain. Limited resources for hand hygiene promotion, lack of budgetary support, and formalized patient engagement programs are the persistent gaps that should be addressed to improve hand hygiene practices and promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda N Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Christiana Kallon
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Rugiatu Z Kamara
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Matilda Mattu Moiwo
- Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Satta S T K Kpagoi
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Hemant Deepak Shewade
- Division of Health Systems Research, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai 600077, India
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5
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Moiwo MM, Kamara GN, Kamara D, Kamara IF, Sevalie S, Koroma Z, Kamara KN, Kamara MN, Kamara RZ, Kpagoi SSTK, Konteh SA, Margao S, Fofanah BD, Thomas F, Kanu JS, Tweya HM, Shewade HD, Harries AD. Have Hand Hygiene Practices in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Improved in 2023 following Operational Research in 2021? Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:431. [PMID: 37755893 PMCID: PMC10538178 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021, an operational research study in two tertiary hospitals in Freetown showed poor hand hygiene compliance. Recommended actions were taken to improve the situation. Between February-April 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the same two hospitals using the World Health Organization hand hygiene tool to assess and compare hand hygiene compliance with that observed between June-August 2021. In Connaught hospital, overall hand hygiene compliance improved from 51% to 60% (p < 0.001), and this applied to both handwash actions with soap and water and alcohol-based hand rub. Significant improvements were found in all hospital departments and amongst all healthcare worker cadres. In 34 Military Hospital (34MH), overall hand hygiene compliance decreased from 40% to 32% (p < 0.001), with significant decreases observed in all departments and amongst nurses and nursing students. The improvements in Connaught Hospital were probably because of more hand hygiene reminders, better handwash infrastructure and more frequent supervision assessments, compared with 34MH where interventions were less well applied, possibly due to the extensive hospital reconstruction at the time. In conclusion, recommendations from operational research in 2021 contributed towards the improved distribution of hand hygiene reminders, better handwash infrastructure and frequent supervision assessments, which possibly led to improved hand hygiene compliance in one of the two hospitals. These actions need to be strengthened, scaled-up and guided by ongoing operational research to promote good hand hygiene practices elsewhere in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Mattu Moiwo
- Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Joint Medical Unit, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (G.N.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Gladys Nanilla Kamara
- Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Joint Medical Unit, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (G.N.K.); (S.S.)
- Department of Clinical Research, Sustainable Health Systems, 34 Military Hospital Research Center, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Dauda Kamara
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (D.K.); (Z.K.); (K.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (S.M.); (J.S.K.)
| | | | - Stephen Sevalie
- Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Joint Medical Unit, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (G.N.K.); (S.S.)
- Department of Clinical Research, Sustainable Health Systems, 34 Military Hospital Research Center, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Zikan Koroma
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (D.K.); (Z.K.); (K.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (S.M.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Kadijatu Nabie Kamara
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (D.K.); (Z.K.); (K.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (S.M.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Matilda N. Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (M.N.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Rugiatu Z. Kamara
- United States Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | | | | | - Senesie Margao
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (D.K.); (Z.K.); (K.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (S.M.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Bobson Derrick Fofanah
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Fawzi Thomas
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (M.N.K.); (F.T.)
- Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (D.K.); (Z.K.); (K.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (S.M.); (J.S.K.)
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (M.N.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Hannock M. Tweya
- International Training and Education Centre for Health, Lilongwe P.O. Box 30369, Malawi;
| | - Hemant Deepak Shewade
- Division of Health Systems Research, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Anthony David Harries
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), 2 Rue Lantier, 75001 Paris, France;
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Serra Neto A, Marques SG, Bomfim MRQ, Monteiro SG, de Souza RC, Nunes RA. Microbiological Analysis of Surgeons' Hands in a Public Hospital in São Luis, Maranhão State, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1895. [PMID: 37630455 PMCID: PMC10456775 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisepsis of the hands of medical personnel is one of the most important steps in the process of patient care, since direct contact can cause the cross-transfer of potentially pathogenic microorganisms at surgical sites. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms on the hands of 131 surgeons in a university hospital before the surgical procedure. Swabs were collected from each clinician's hands before and after handwashing. The samples were placed in a transport medium and immediately delivered to a private clinical analysis laboratory from São Luis-Maranhão. The microorganisms were identified by ionization source mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI-TOF), and antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Vitek2 and Phoenix-BD automated system. The results showed a high frequency (100%) of microorganisms before handwashing, but after surgical antisepsis, the rate dropped significantly (p < 0.05) to 27.5%. The gram-positive species most detected were Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus luteus, representing 83.9%, followed by gram-negative species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas gessardi, Pantoea septica, Serratia marcescens, and Burkholderia lata. The effectiveness of hand antisepsis was 72.5%, demonstrating that surgeons' hands are an important source of microorganisms that can cause infections in hospitalized patients in different care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Serra Neto
- Departamento de Cirurgia Geral, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HUUFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil
| | - Sirlei G. Marques
- Departamento de Planejamento de Gestão da Qualidade e Vigilância em Saúde, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HUUFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil;
| | - Maria Rosa Q. Bomfim
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Ceuma (UNICEUMA), São Luís 65075-120, Brazil;
| | - Silvio G. Monteiro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil;
| | - Rosangela C. de Souza
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil;
| | - Rodolfo A. Nunes
- Departamento de Cirurgia Geral, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, Brazil;
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7
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Radziejewska J, Arkowski J, Susło R, Kędzierski K, Wawrzyńska M. Analysis of COVID-19 Incidence and Protective Potential of Persisting IgG Class Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospital Staff in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1198. [PMID: 37515014 PMCID: PMC10383555 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines are of key importance in prevention efforts. In April and May 2020, 703 study participants tested for COVID-19 by PCR tests were registered. In June and July 2020, they were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG. From October 2020 to January 2021, those among the study population with COVID-19 confirmed by PCR tests were registered, and the same group of participants was invited to be examined again for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In June 2020, antibodies were detected in only 88% of those who had PCR-confirmed COVID-19 in April-May 2020, which suggests that a significant proportion of persons in the Polish population do not produce antibodies after contact with SARS-CoV-2 antigens or rapidly lose them and reach levels below the lab detection limit. The levels of IgG class anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were significantly lower among people who previously had COVID-19 than for those who had received COVID-19 vaccination, which confirms the high immunogenicity of the vaccines against COVID-19 in the Polish population. The study confirms that a detectable level of IgG class anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies cannot be considered a reliable marker of the presence and strength of COVID-19 immunity preventing individuals from acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacek Arkowski
- Centre for Preclinical Studies, Wrocław Medical University, Ul. Marcinkowskiego 1, 53-220 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Robert Susło
- Epidemiology and Health Education Unit, Population Health Department, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul. Bujwida 44, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Kędzierski
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul. Parkowa 34, 51-616 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wawrzyńska
- Centre for Preclinical Studies, Wrocław Medical University, Ul. Marcinkowskiego 1, 53-220 Wroclaw, Poland
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Lakoh S, John-Cole V, Luke RD, Bell N, Russell JB, Mustapha A, Barrie U, Abiri OT, Coker JM, Kamara MN, Coker FJ, Adekanmbi O, Kamara IF, Fofanah BD, Jiba DF, Adeniji AO, Kenneh S, Deen GF, Moon TD, Yendewa GA, Firima E. Antibiotic use and consumption in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A baseline report of prescription stewardship in outpatient clinics of three tertiary hospitals. IJID REGIONS 2023; 7:43-51. [PMID: 37038468 PMCID: PMC10082370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective As there are no country-representative data on bacterial sensitivities to guide antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions, an AMS programme was established in the outpatient clinics of three tertiary hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design to collect antibiotic prescribing data from 370 pregnant women and lactating mothers, 314 children and 229 regular patients in the outpatient clinics of the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), Ola During Children's Hospital and Connaught Hospital (CH), respectively, in April 2022. All data were analysed using Stata Version 16. Results Of 913 patients, most were female (n=635, 69.5%), treated at PCMH (n=370, 40.5%) and had a bacterial infection (n=661, 72.4%). The indication for prescribing antibiotics was inappropriate in 252 (27.6%) patients. Of the 1236 prescriptions, 393 (31.8%) were made at CH. The duration of antibiotic use was not stated in 230 (18.6%) prescriptions. Overall antibiotic consumption was 55.3 defined daily doses per 1000 outpatient-days. Conclusion Gaps in antibiotic prescriptions were identified in the outpatient clinics of three national referral hospitals in Sierra Leone. In order to combat antimicrobial resistance, AMS interventions are needed to reduce the prescription of antibiotics for inappropriate indications or without specified duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Valerie John-Cole
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ronita D.C. Luke
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Nellie Bell
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James B.W. Russell
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ayeshatu Mustapha
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Onome T. Abiri
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joshua M. Coker
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Matilda N. Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Freddie J. Coker
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Darlinda F. Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Adetunji O. Adeniji
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Sartie Kenneh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Division Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SolidarMed, Maseru, Lesotho
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria
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9
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Lakoh S, Yi L, Russell JB, Zhang J, Sevalie S, Zhao Y, Kanu JS, Liu P, Conteh SK, Williams CEE, Barrie U, Sheku MG, Jalloh MB, Adekanmbi O, Jiba DF, Kamara MN, Deen GF, Okeibunor JC, Yendewa GA, Guo X, Firima E. The burden of surgical site infections and related antibiotic resistance in two geographic regions of Sierra Leone: a prospective study. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221135128. [PMID: 36518726 PMCID: PMC9742716 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221135128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prolongation of hospitalization, increase in morbidity, mortality and cost of care associated with both surgical site infections (SSIs) and antibiotic resistance, there are limited data on SSIs and antibiotic resistance to guide prevention strategies in Sierra Leone. This study assessed the burden of SSIs and related antibiotic resistance in the 34 Military Hospital (MH) and Makeni Government Hospital (MGH) located in two geographic regions of Sierra Leone using a prospective study design to collect data from adults aged 18 years or older. Of the 417 patients, 233 (55.9%) were enrolled in MGH. Most were women 294 (70.5%). The incidence rate of SSI was 5.5 per 1000 patient-days, and the cumulative incidence of SSI was 8.2%. Common bacteria isolated in MH were Escherichia coli (6,33.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3,16.7%) and in MGH were P. aeruginosa (3,42.9%) and Proteus mirabilis (2,28.9%). Of the gram-negative bacteria, 40% were Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, 33% were Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and 10% were carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Although the incidence of SSIs in our study is lower than previously reported, the rate of antibiotic resistance reported in this study is high. Urgent action is needed to invest in the microbiology infrastructure to support SSI surveillance and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James B.W. Russell
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone,Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Juling Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen Sevalie
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone,Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone,34 Military Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Tropical Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Center, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone,Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sarah K. Conteh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Christine Ellen Elleanor Williams
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone,Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mohamed Gbessay Sheku
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mohamed Boie Jalloh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone,34 Military Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria,Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Darlinda F. Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Matilda N. Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone,Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xuejun Guo
- Tropical Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Center, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,SolidarMed, Old Europa, Lesotho,Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria
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Tsioutis C, Karageorgos SA. Infection Prevention and Control: Practical and Educational Advances. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080148. [PMID: 35893656 PMCID: PMC9330796 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Egkomi 2404, Cyprus;
- Correspondence:
| | - Spyridon A. Karageorgos
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Egkomi 2404, Cyprus;
- First Department of Pediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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11
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Establishing a Learning Model for Correct Hand Hygiene Technique in a NICU. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154276. [PMID: 35893364 PMCID: PMC9329762 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of healthcare workers to learn proper hand hygiene has been an understudied area of research. Generally, hand hygiene skills are regarded as a key contributor to reduce critical infections and healthcare-associated infections. In a clinical setup, at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the outcome of a multi-modal training initiative was recorded, where objective feedback was provided to the staff. It was hypothesized that staff at the NICU are more sensitive towards applying increased patient safety measures. Outcomes were recorded as the ability to cover all hand surfaces with Alcohol-Based Handrub (ABHR), modelled as a time-series of measurements. The learning ability to rub in with 1.5 mL and with 3 mL was also assessed. As a secondary outcome, handrub consumption and infection numbers were recorded. It has been observed that some staff members were able to quickly learn the proper hand hygiene, even with the limited 1.5 mL, while others were not capable of acquiring the technique even with 3 mL. When analyzing the 1.5 mL group, it was deemed an insufficient ABHR amount, while with 3 mL, the critical necessity of skill training to achieve complete coverage was documented. Identifying these individuals helps the infection control staff to better focus their training efforts. The training led to a 157% increase in handrub consumption. The setting of the study did not allow to show a measurable reduction in the number of hospital infections. It has been concluded that the training method chosen by the staff greatly affects the quality of the outcomes.
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12
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High levels of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis: Implications for hospital-based antibiotic stewardship in Sierra Leone. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2022; 2:e111. [PMID: 36483422 PMCID: PMC9726495 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2022.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective Despite the impact of inappropriate prescribing on antibiotic resistance, data on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. In this study, we evaluated antibiotic use and consumption in surgical prophylaxis in 4 hospitals located in 2 geographic regions of Sierra Leone. Methods We used a prospective cohort design to collect data from surgical patients aged 18 years or older between February and October 2021. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16 software. Results Of the 753 surgical patients, 439 (58.3%) were females, and 723 (96%) had received at least 1 dose of antibiotics. Only 410 (54.4%) patients had indications for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis consistent with local guidelines. Factors associated with preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were the type of surgery, wound class, and consistency of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis with local guidelines. Postoperatively, type of surgery, wound class, and consistency of antibiotic use with local guidelines were important factors associated with antibiotic use. Of the 2,482 doses administered, 1,410 (56.8%) were given postoperatively. Preoperative and intraoperative antibiotic use was reported in 645 (26%) and 427 (17.2%) cases, respectively. The most commonly used antibiotic was ceftriaxone 949 (38.2%) with a consumption of 41.6 defined daily doses (DDD) per 100 bed days. Overall, antibiotic consumption was 117.9 DDD per 100 bed days. The Access antibiotics had 72.7 DDD per 100 bed days (61.7%). Conclusions We report a high rate of antibiotic consumption for surgical prophylaxis, most of which was not based on local guidelines. To address this growing threat, urgent action is needed to reduce irrational antibiotic prescribing for surgical prophylaxis.
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Lakoh S, Maruta A, Kallon C, Deen GF, Russell JBW, Fofanah BD, Kamara IF, Kanu JS, Kamara D, Molleh B, Adekanmbi O, Tavernor S, Guth J, Sagili KD, Wilkinson E. How Well Are Hand Hygiene Practices and Promotion Implemented in Sierra Leone? A Cross-Sectional Study in 13 Public Hospitals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073787. [PMID: 35409471 PMCID: PMC8997996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in millions of avoidable deaths or prolonged lengths of stay in hospitals and cause huge economic loss to health systems and communities. Primarily, HAIs spread through the hands of healthcare workers, so improving hand hygiene can reduce their spread. We evaluated hand hygiene practices and promotion across 13 public health hospitals (six secondary and seven tertiary hospitals) in the Western Area of Sierra Leone in a cross-sectional study using the WHO hand hygiene self-Assessment framework in May 2021. The mean score for all hospitals was 273 ± 46, indicating an intermediate level of hand hygiene. Nine hospitals achieved an intermediate level and four a basic level. More secondary hospitals 5 (83%) were at the intermediate level, compared to tertiary hospitals 4 (57%). Tertiary hospitals were poorly rated in the reminders in workplace and institutional safety climate domains but excelled in training and education. Lack of budgets to support hand hygiene implementation is a priority gap underlying this poor performance. These gaps hinder hand hygiene practice and promotion, contributing to the continued spread of HAIs. Enhancing the distribution of hand hygiene resources and encouraging an embedded culture of hand hygiene practice in hospitals will reduce HAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (G.F.D.); (J.S.K.); (J.B.W.R.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +232-78-287-492
| | - Anna Maruta
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (A.M.); (B.D.F.); (I.F.K.)
| | - Christiana Kallon
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (C.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (G.F.D.); (J.S.K.); (J.B.W.R.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James B. W. Russell
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (G.F.D.); (J.S.K.); (J.B.W.R.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Bobson Derrick Fofanah
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (A.M.); (B.D.F.); (I.F.K.)
| | - Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (A.M.); (B.D.F.); (I.F.K.)
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (G.F.D.); (J.S.K.); (J.B.W.R.)
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (C.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Dauda Kamara
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (C.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Bailah Molleh
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone;
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria;
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria
| | - Simon Tavernor
- School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Cedar House, Ashton Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK;
| | - Jamie Guth
- Global Health Connections, Center Barnstead, Barnstead, NH 03225, USA;
| | - Karuna D. Sagili
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Southeast Asia Office, New Delhi 110016, India;
| | - Ewan Wilkinson
- Institute of Medicine, University of Chester, Countess Way, Chester CH2 1BR, UK;
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14
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Hand Hygiene Compliance at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052978. [PMID: 35270674 PMCID: PMC8910077 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Hand hygiene actions are essential to reduce healthcare-associated infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance. In this cross-sectional study at two tertiary hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, we observed hand hygiene compliance (defined as using handwash with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) amongst healthcare workers between June and August 2021. Using the WHO Hand Hygiene tool, observations were made in relation to the type of opportunity, different wards and types of healthcare worker. Overall, 10,461 opportunities for hand hygiene were observed, of which 5086 (49%) resulted in hand hygiene actions. ABHR was used more often than handwash (26% versus 23%, p < 0.001). Overall, compliance was significantly better: after being with a patient/doing a procedure than before (78% after body fluid exposure risk compared with 24% before touching a patient—p < 0.001); in Paediatric (61%) compared with Medical wards (46%)—p < 0.001; and amongst nurses (52%) compared with doctors (44%)—p < 0.001. Similar patterns of compliance were observed within each hospital. In summary, hand hygiene compliance was sub-optimal, especially before being with a patient or before clean/aseptic procedures. Improvement is needed through locally adapted training, hand hygiene reminders in wards and outpatient departments, uninterrupted provision of ABHR and innovative ways to change behaviour.
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