Evaluation of Hygiene Practices among Medical Staff Using Mobile Phones at Yaoundé General Hospital: Implications for Infection and Sepsis Prevention

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections, particularly sepsis, represent a major public health challenge, especially in hospital settings where hygiene practices may fall short. The use of mobile phones by medical staff can act as a vector for pathogen transmission, thereby increasing the risk of cross-infections. This study aims to evaluate the hygiene practices of medical staff when using mobile phones at Yaoundé General Hospital and assess their impact on infection and sepsis prevention. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical, and evaluative study was conducted among medical staff within the hospital. Utilising a stratified random sampling method, this study included 162 participants. Data were collected through direct observations, structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and microbiological analyses of samples taken from mobile phones and hospital surfaces. Statistical analyses comprised both descriptive and comparative tests. Results: The findings revealed that 97.5% of medical staff carry their phones at work, 85.8% use them in clinical settings, and 60.5% do not wash their hands after answering calls. Microbiological analysis detected potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, on mobile phones. Disinfection practices were inconsistent and frequently inadequate, with only 45.7% of participants using an alcohol-based disinfectant. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and the establishment of stringent disinfection protocols for mobile phones within hospital settings to mitigate the transmission of nosocomial infections and sepsis. Implementing specific recommendations, such as training sessions and hygiene audits, is essential to enhance the hygiene practices of medical staff.