Abstract

Despite advances in health care system, Nosocomial infections (NIs) still remain a preventable disease threatening public health. This study assessed awareness and attitude of health care workers in LAUTECH teaching Hospital Osogbo towards Nosocomial infections. Descriptive cross sectional study among hospital workers using multistage sampling method was used. Research instruments were semi structured self administered and pre-tested questionnaires, and data analyzed using the SPSS software. Eighty three (91.2%), 77 (84.6%) and 59 (64.8%) of the health workers were aware of patients, hospital staff and hospital environment, respectively as causes of nosocomial infections. Thirty one (34.1%) were aware of presence of their hospital policy on control of nosocomial infections, while 36(39.6%) were aware of presence of infection control committee in the hospital. Twelve (13.2%) has ever notified nosocomial infection. Preventive practices towards nosocomial infections were favourable for hand washing, and unfavourable for self reporting to the staff clinic when sick. There is no significant association between ever reported or willingness to report nosocomial infections and awareness of hospital policy or presence of infection control committee in the hospital (P > 0.05). There is a need to raise awareness on nosocomial infections among health care workers as well as preventive measures against these infections.

Key words: Nosocomial infection (NIs), infection control committee, health care workers (HCWs).