Abstract

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections, represent a significant threat to patient safety and healthcare outcomes worldwide. This study explores the knowledge and preventive practices of health workers in the Bamenda Health District of Cameroon regarding nosocomial infections. Understanding the level of awareness and adherence to infection prevention protocols among healthcare providers is essential for implementing effective strategies to reduce the incidence of these infections.

A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a survey of health workers from various healthcare facilities in the Bamenda Health District. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed participants’ knowledge of nosocomial infections, including their causes, modes of transmission, and associated risks. The survey also evaluated the preventive practices adopted by these health workers, such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization procedures, and adherence to infection control protocols.

The findings reveal that while the majority of health workers have a basic understanding of nosocomial infections, there are significant gaps in their knowledge, particularly regarding the specific practices required to prevent these infections. Although most participants acknowledged the importance of hand hygiene and PPE usage, adherence to these practices was inconsistent. Factors contributing to poor compliance included inadequate training, lack of resources, heavy workloads, and insufficient monitoring and enforcement of infection control policies.

The study highlights the critical need for ongoing education and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of health workers in infection prevention. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the availability of essential resources, such as PPE and sterilization equipment, to support effective infection control. Additionally, the study recommends the implementation of stricter monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols. Improving the knowledge and preventive practices of health workers is vital for reducing the incidence of nosocomial infections and safeguarding patient health in the Bamenda Health District.

Keywords: Nosocomial Infections, Health Workers, Knowledge, Preventive Practices, Infection Control, Bamenda Health District, Cameroon.