THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS ABOUT INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE UNITS IN KAWEMPE DIVISION. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background Awareness and adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures among healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical for ensuring patient safety and reducing healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness about Infection prevention and control among health workers in private units in the Kawempe Division. Methodology The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach involving the observation of representative subsets of the population at a specific time. participants were selected using convenience sampling techniques due to time constraints that precluded the use of other sampling approaches. Results The majority of respondents were females (55.8%), with most 42.9%) aged (31-40) years. (35.5%) Of the respondents were somewhat familiar with IPC measures and nearly half of the respondents had received training in IPC (46.8%), (40.4%) of respondents always practiced hand hygiene, about (14.1%) of respondents were not confident at all in using PPE and 63(40.4%) showed to be knowledgeable about IPC, 66(42.3%) participants often adhered to IPC protocols. Conclusion Observations indicated a significant gap in IPC practices, including insufficient hand hygiene, lack of proper client screening, and poor waste management. Recommendations the Ministry of Health, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and relevant stakeholders need to implement comprehensive measures. These measures should focus on increasing awareness among healthcare workers.