Prévalence et facteurs associés au diabète chez les conducteurs de taxi-motos de la ville de Parakou (Bénin) en 2021 / Prevalence and associated factors with diabetes among motorcycle taxi drivers in the city of Parakou (Benin) in 2021

Introduction : le diabète est un véritable fléau mondial par sa prévalence en croissance. Les objectifs de la présente étude étaient de déterminer la prévalence du diabète et d'identifier les facteurs associés au diabète chez les conducteurs de taximotos de la ville de Parakou en 2021. Méthodes : il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, descriptive et analytique concernant les conducteurs de taxi-motos de la ville de Parakou et réalisée du 08 février au 31 mars 2021. Résultats : au total 422 conducteurs de taxi-motos enquêtés. L'âge moyen était de 36,45±10 ans ; 85,8% avaient un revenu mensuel d'au moins 40000 FCFA, 9,7% avaient une hypertension artérielle. L'anxiété et la dépression étaient présentes respectivement chez 5,5% et 15,9 % des sujets enquêtés. La prévalence du diabète était de 2,84%. Les facteurs qui étaient significativement associés sont l'âge de 30 ans et plus (p=0,001), le tour de taille élevé (p=0,03) et la durée de sommeil journalier anormale (p=0,03). Conclusion : la prévalence du diabète est faible chez les conducteurs de taxi-motos et les facteurs associés sont l'âge de 30 ans et plus, le tour de taille élevé et la durée de sommeil journalier anormale. Il est important de communiquer pour un changement de comportement afin que les conducteurs de taximotos adoptent une hygiène de vie saine.

Introduction: Diabetes is a real global scourge due to its growing prevalence. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diabetes and to identify the associated factors with diabetes among motorcycle cab drivers of Parakou city in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of motorcycle cab drivers in Parakou, city conducted from February 8 to March 31, 2021. Results: a total of 422 subjects surveyed. The average age was 36.45±10 years; 85.8% had a monthly income of at least 40,000 FCFA, 9.7% had high blood pressure. Anxiety and depression were present respectively in 5.5% and 15.9% of the subjects surveyed. The prevalence of diabetes was 2.84%. The factors that were significantly associated with diabetes were age 30 years and older (p=0.001), high waist circumference (p=0.03) and abnormal daily sleep duration (p=0.03). Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes is low among motorcycle cab drivers and the associated factors are age 30 years and over, high waist circumference and abnormal daily sleep duration.

Changing hygiene behaviours: a cluster-randomized trial, Ethiopia

Objective To investigate vaccine hesitancy leading to underimmunization and a measles outbreak in Rwanda and to develop a conceptual, community-level model of behavioural factors. Methods Local immunization systems in two Rwandan communities (one recently experienced a measles outbreak) were explored using systems thinking, human-centred design and behavioural frameworks. Data were collected between 2018 and 2020 from: discussions with 11 vaccination service providers (i.e. hospital and health centre staff); interviews with 161 children's caregivers at health centres; and nine validation interviews with health centre staff. Factors influencing vaccine hesitancy were categorized using the 3Cs framework: confidence, complacency and convenience. A conceptual model of vaccine hesitancy mechanisms with feedback loops was developed. Findings: A comparison of service providers' and caregivers' perspectives in both rural and peri-urban settings showed that similar factors strengthened vaccine uptake: (i) high trust in vaccines and service providers based on personal relationships with health centre staff; (ii) the connecting role of community health workers; and (iii) a strong sense of community. Factors identified as increasing vaccine hesitancy (e.g. service accessibility and inadequate follow-up) differed between service providers and caregivers and between settings. The conceptual model could be used to explain drivers of the recent measles outbreak and to guide interventions designed to increase vaccine uptake. Conclusion :The application of behavioural frameworks and systems thinking revealed vaccine hesitancy mechanisms in Rwandan communities that demonstrate the interrelationship between immunization services and caregivers' vaccination behaviour. Confidence-building social structures and context-dependent challenges that affect vaccine uptake were also identified.

Objectif Déterminer si une intervention au niveau de l'eau, de l'assainissement et de l'hygiène pourrait avoir une influence sur les comportements en la matière, considérés comme importants dans la lutte contre le trachome. Méthodes Nous avons mené un essai randomisé par grappes dans les régions rurales d'Éthiopie entre le 9 novembre 2015 et le 5 mars 2019. Nous avons réparti aléatoirement 20 échantillons où l'intervention consistait à développer les infrastructures d'assainissement et d'approvisionnement en eau et à promouvoir l'hygiène, et 20 échantillons n'ayant fait l'objet d'aucune intervention. Tous les échantillons du groupe d'intervention ont suivi une formation sur l'hygiène à l'école primaire, disposaient d'un point d'eau communautaire, d'un poste de lavage par ménage, de savon à domicile, et recevaient des visites de la part de travailleurs chargés d'enseigner les bonnes pratiques en matière d'hygiène. Nous avons évalué le niveau d'observance des mesures en effectuant des enquêtes annuelles au sein des foyers. Résultats En l'espace de 3 ans, le nombre de postes de lavage, de savons et de latrines dans les ménages a davantage augmenté dans le groupe d'intervention que dans le groupe de contrôle: la différence de risque s'élevait à 47 points de pourcentage (intervalle de confiance de 95%, IC: 41­53) pour les postes de lavage, à 18 points de pourcentage (IC de 95%: 12­24) pour le savon et à 12 points de pourcentage (IC de 95%: 5­19) pour les latrines. La proportion de gens déclarant se laver le visage au savon était plus grande dans le groupe d'intervention (différence de risque de 21 points de pourcentage; IC de 95%: 15­27 pour les enfants de 0 à 5 ans), tout comme celle mentionnant l'usage de latrines (différence de risque de 9 points de pourcentage; IC de 95%: 2­15 pour les enfants de 6 à 9 ans). Pour de multiples indicateurs, il a fallu attendre minimum un an après l'instauration du programme pour que les variations observées entre les groupes d'intervention et de contrôle deviennent statistiquement significatives; ces variations se sont ensuite maintenues lors des visites ultérieures. Conclusion Intervenir à l'école et au sein de la communauté a permis d'améliorer l'accès à l'hygiène et les comportements en la matière. Néanmoins, cette évolution prend du temps et plusieurs années d'intervention sont nécessaires.

Avaliação das práticas de higiene nos serviços de restauração da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane / Evaluation of hygiene practices in the food services of the Eduardo Mondlane University Mondlane University (UEM)

O presente trabalho tinha como objectivo avaliar as práticas de higiene associadas aos factores de riscos de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar nos serviços de restauração da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane. O estudo foi realizado nos serviços de restauração da UEM de Maputo e Inhambane. Foram inqueridos, através de um questionário de perguntas semi-estruturadas, 37 trabalhadores com a categoria de cozinheiros e auxiliares de cozinha, foram visitadas as instalações e tiraram-se algumas fotografias por meio de uma máquina fotográfica digital da marca SAMSUNG. 80% dos inquiridos tinha escolaridade básica; 48% eram do sexo feminino e 52% masculino, a idade dos inquiridos variava de 22 a 57 anos e o tempo de serviço de 3 a 31 anos. Segundo os resultados do estudo os inquiridos têm consciência da necessidade de implementação das práticas correctas de higiene no decurso das suas actividades de modo a prevenir as doenças de origem alimentar. Contudo, foram observadas práticas que constituem factores de risco para a ocorrência de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar. Os factores de risco observados estavam relacionados a prática incorrectas de armazenamento, higiene pessoal e geral, manipulação das sobras de alimentos, acondicionamento de lixo e controle de pragas. Conclui-se que a falta de observância de práticas correctas de higiene nos serviços de restauração concorre para o surgimento de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar. Recomenda-se a implementação de programas educativos integrados regulares no sector, supervisão permanente e encorajamento de mudanças de comportamento na manipulação de alimentos.

The objective of the present study was to assess the practices of hygiene associated to the risks of foodborne diseases at restauration services of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM). The study took place at services of restauration of UEM of Maputo and Inhambane; the data was collated using a questionnaire, with semi-structure questions. The questionnaire was submitted to 37 works namely cookers and auxiliaries of cookers, the installations were visited and some photography was taken using a SUMSUNG digital camera. 80% of the enquired has basic education; 48% were female and 52 were male; the age of the enquired varied from 22 to 57 years and the period of time of work varied from 3 to 31 years. According to the results of the study the inquired was aware about the need of the implementation of correct practices of hygiene during the work in order to avoid the foodborne diseases. However, was observed practices which constitute risk factor to the occurrence of foodborne diseases. The risk factors observed were related to storage, general and personal hygiene and handle of leftover, waste and pest control. It was concluded that the lack of correct practices of hygiene in the service of restauration constitute risk factor for the occurrence of foodborne diseases. It recommends the implementation of regular program of education, permanent supervision and encouraging of change of behaver in the handle of food.

Genital hygiene behaviors and practices: A cross-sectional descriptive study among antenatal care attendees

The female genital tracts harbor a wide variety of microorganisms' knowns as microflora mostly constituted by lactobacilli, involved in the healthy state of the vagina without causing infection. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent in pregnant women due to physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy. These infections can result to disabilities or serious health problems both for the mother and the new-born. Vaginal douching has been reported among risky practices associate with UTIs. However, this remains debatable and contradictory when other studies report the benefit effects of vaginal cleaning in infection prevention. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women behaviors and practices regarding genital hygiene. This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted on exhaustive sample of pregnant women coming for antenatal visits in Lafé Sub-divisional Hospital (SDH) and Baleng Catholic Health Center (BCHC) between 16 and 30 September 2013. Data were collected using a paper based standardized questionnaire directly self-administered after obtain a free consent. Overall, 80 pregnant women were enrolled. The majority of them had attended at least primary education (97.5%; n=78/80) and many were lived in couple (81.25%; n=65/80). Almost one on three participants identified antenatal consultation (ANC) as a key element to be taken into account by pregnant women. 70.1% (n=56/80) of women declared wearing undergarments in cotton. Regarding the daily vaginal douching behaviors, the majority (76.3%; n=61/80) of participants used the recommended gynecological measure, while the remaining use self-prescribed measures. Both genital parts (vulva area and vagina) were cleaned and use of water was mostly cited (63.8%; n=51/80). Almost one participant on four (n=29/80) use antiseptic solutions for genital cleaning. Antiseptic solutions were associated with water in 34.5% of cases (n=10/29), and in 65.5% (n=19/29) of cases it was used only for the vagina. Our findings suggest that knowledge and genital hygiene cleaning practices are acceptable among our study population. Risky practices such as use of antiseptic solutions and synthetic underwear's were reported. Skills of health care providers on good hygiene practices for pregnant should be improved and community-based communication strategies need to be implemented to reach all women of child bearing age

Survey on visual acuity among intra-city commercial vehicle drivers in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

Driving is recognized to be a visually intensive task and accordingly legal minimum standard of vision required for all motorists is stipulated. This study was carried out to find out how many commercial drivers in Ibadan North L.G.A met minimum legal requirement for driving in Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 340 commercial vehicle drivers selected by multistage sampling from eight transport stations (motor parks) in the city. Visual impairment was defined as vision acuity (VA) in both eyes which is below 3/18 but above 3/60 (VA <6/18≥3/60) and was assessed with the Snellen's chart. All participants have valid driving licenses. One sixth [52, (15.3%)] have visual acuity below 6/9 and 18 (5.3%) have visual impairment (VA <6/18≥3/60). More of those drivers aged 40 years and more had visual impairment compared to the younger drivers (P<0.05). These findings suggest that regulatory standards for licensing drivers are being circumvented by some of the drivers. Mechanisms for ensuring compliance to the regulatory standards especially visual acuity is therefore recommended

Assessment of the relationship between water insecurity, hygiene practices, and incidence of diarrhea among children from rural households of the Menoua Division, West Cameroon

The objectives of a cross-sectional, semi-quantitative study were to: i) assess the prevalence of water insecurity and its association with water access-related behaviors such as time, distance, and sources of water; ii) identify major themes of concern raised in reference to anxiety, water quality/quantity, and perceived health risk domains of water insecurity, and; iii) examine the relationship between water insecurity, hygiene practices, and diarrhea lincidence among children in rural areas of the Menoua Division in the Western Region of Cameroon In-person interviews were conducted with 18 years or older women living with at least one child between 2 and 5 years old (n=134). Participants spent on average 17±12 minutes walking to a drinking water source. Prevalence of water insecurity was 58%, and it was associated with a lower hygiene score among caretakers, i.e., hygiene score of water secure: 9.2±1.2 vs. insecure: 8.2±2.2, F(1, 132)=8.096, P<0.01). Overall, the incidence of diarrhea among children was 18%, and it was significantly higher among water insecure house-holds (79%) compared with secure house-holds (21%, P=0.02). In conclusion, access to improved sources of water is an issue in rural areas. Addressing water insecurity is critical in promoting optimal health and development of children due to its association with poor hygiene practices among caretakers

Evaluation des connaissances sur les mesures hygiéno-diététiques chez les hypertendus suivis à l'hôpital général de Yaoundé

Objectifs. Les mesures hygiéno-diététiques représentent un volet important de la prise en charge de l'hypertension artérielle. La bonne connaissance et l'application de ces dernières réduiraient la fréquence des complications de l'hypertension artérielle. Le but de ce travail était d'évaluer le niveau de connaissance des mesures hygiéno-diététiques chez les hypertendus suivis à l'hôpital général de Yaoundé. Méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale des patients hypertendus sous traitement suivis à l'hôpital général de Yaoundé du 02 janvier au 22 avril 2016.Les données évaluées étaient : le traitement médicamenteux et les mesures hygiéno-diététiques par un questionnaire. Résultats. Nous avons recruté 148 participants hypertendus ; le sex ratio h/f était de 0,56 avec une prédominance de la tranche d'âge de 46 à 65 ans. 64 ,9 % des sujets étaient sous diurétiques thiazidiques. La bithérapie était retrouvée chez 47,3 % des patients et la monothérapie chez 25,7%. Le régime hyposodé était la mesure hygiéno-diététique la plus connue avec un taux de connaissance de 95,9 % suivie respectivement par la réduction de la consommation d'alcool (56,8%), la réduction de la consommation des graisses (53,4%). L'arrêt du tabac et la pratique d'une activité physique régulière étaient connues respectivement par 34 ,2 % et 30,8 % des hypertendus traités tandis que 14,4% d'entre eux considéraient la réduction du poids comme composante du traitement non médicamenteux de l'hypertension artérielle. Au total, 37,2 % des hypertendus avaient globalement une bonne connaissance des mesures hygiéno-diététiques de l'hypertension artérielle. Conclusion. Dans notre population d'hypertendus traités, 62,8 % des sujets avaient une mauvaise connaissance des mesures hygiéno-diététiques. Un tel résultat pourrait suggérer une intensification de l'éducation et de la prescription des mesures hygiéno-diététiques en pratique clinique courante

Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students

Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education

Cord care education and its content given to mothers at antenatal clinics in various health facilities in Edo State, Nigeria

Introduction: Hygienic umbilical cord care is necessary for the well-.being of the newborn. Health education is a strong tool for lifestyle modification aimed at healthy living. This ought to extend to mothers who care for their infants' umbilical cord stump in various ways especially after discharge from hospital. The content of health education on cord care given to mothers (if any) at various health institutions which they accessed for antenatal care is thus worth evaluating. Objective: To evaluate the content of health education on cord care given to mothers at various health facilities which served as their places of antenatal care in Benin City; Nigeria. Methods: The study subjects included mothers who brought their babies to Well Baby/Immunization Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Benin City; Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their biodata; places of antenatal care; whether health education on cord care constituted part of the services received in health facilities and the content of the cord care education. Results: Of the 497 subjects studied; 487 (98.0) received antenatal care (ANC) in both orthodox and unorthodox facilities. Amongst these; 352 (72.3) received health education on cord care while 135 (27.7) did not. Teaching and private hospitals contributed 116 (48.9) and 103 (43.5) respectively to the total documentation of the advice concerning use of methylated spirit alone. The relationship between content of health education on cord care and method of cord care practiced by mothers was statistically significant. Conclusion: Health education on cord care is lacking in some of our health facilities and where available; content may not be evidence-based. We must equip health workers with facts required to enlighten patients. A standard and universal method of cord care should be adopted to reduce or abolish the confusion which mothers presently encounter in caring for their babies' umbilical cords

A Cross-Sectional Survey on the Lifestyle and Healthseeking Behaviour of Basotho Patients with Diabetes

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the level of practice of a healthy lifestyle; to assess the health education provided to patients with diabetes and to determine the prevalence of obesity among Basotho patients with diabetes. Design: A cross-sectional study enrolled 192 patients between November 2004 and July 2005. Descriptive statistics on demographic; socio-economic and lifestyle data were computed. Weight; waist circumference and hip circumference measurements were taken to compute body mass index (BMI); waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Setting and subjects: Patients with diabetes attending three hospitals in Lesotho were recruited in the study. Outcome measures: These included obesity indices; the quality and quantity of physical exercises; the quality and quantity of provided health education and the frequency with which the subjects sought medical help. Results: The participants' mean age was 54.73 years. The prevalence of smoking (14.6) was higher than that of drinking (9.4). Only 20.8 of the participants participated in recommended physical exercise. Most participants (95) consulted their physicians on a regular basis. The Health Education Quantity Index was very low: 49.9. The prevalence of obesity measured by BMI; WHpR and WHtR was 67.7; 69.8 and 95.3 respectively. Conclusion: The practice of a healthy lifestyle was suboptimal; but help-seeking behaviour was satisfactory among participants. It is recommended that health education and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle are encouraged; that diabetes education is rendered by accredited educators or healthcare providers trained in communicating health messages; and that the fight against obesity is made a priority

Prevalence and Pattern of Bacteria and Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

Background: In developing countries; biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food; water; nails; and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly; food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects' stool; urine; and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8); coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9); Staphylococcus aureus(7.1); Klebsiella species (2.4); Serratia species (1.2); Serratia species (1.2); Citrobacter species (1.2); and Enterococcus species (1.8). The subjects' stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9); T. trichuria (1.8); S. starcolaris (3.0); E. histolytica (10.7); G. lambilia (1.8); S. mansoni (1.2); and Taenia species (4.8). Furthermore; 42.3 and 15.5 of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species; respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness; and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices

Epidemic Cholera in Kakuma Refugee Camp; Kenya; 2009: the Importance of Sanitation and Soap

Introduction: Cholera remains a major public health problem that causes substantial morbidity and mortality in displaced populations due to inadequate or unprotected water supplies; poor sanitation and hygiene; overcrowding; and limited resources. A cholera outbreak with 224 cases and four deaths occurred in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya from September to December 2009. Methodology: We conducted a case-control study to characterize the epidemiology of the outbreak. Cases were identified by reviewing the hospital registry for patients meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition for cholera. For each case a matched control was selected. A questionnaire focusing on potential risk factors was administered to cases and controls.Results: From 18 September to 15 December 2009; a total of 224 cases were identified and were hospitalised at Kakuma IRC hospital. Three refugees and one Kenyan national died of cholera. V. cholerae O1; serotype Inaba was isolated in 44 (42) out of 104 stool specimens collected. A total of 93 cases and 93 matched controls were enrolled in the study. In a multivariate model; washing hands with soap was protective against cholera (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.25[0.09-0.71]; p 0.01); while presence of dirty water storage containers was a risk factor (AORConclusion: Provision of soap; along with education on hand hygiene and cleaning water storage containers; may be an affordable intervention to prevent cholera

Prevalence and Predisposing Factors Regarding Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Rural Primary School Pupils at Minia Governorate; Egypt

About 400 million school-age children are infected with roundworm; whipworm and hookworm worldwide. This study aims to assess prevalence of parasitic infections among rural primary school pupils at Minia Governorate; Egypt; and to identify relevant predisposing factors of the school and pupils to intestinal parasitic infections. A total of 264 pupils out of 1053; aged 6-12 years; were randomly selected for parasitological investigation and the school was inspected on site for sanitary facilities and conditions of hygiene; as well as the conditions of hygiene of the pupils. The pupils were examined for ova; cysts and/or larvae of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Inspection of sanitary facilities and the conditions of hygiene of the school; as well pupil's conditions of hygiene; were carried out through observation checklists. Findings revealed the following intestinal parasites: Entamoeba coli (in 19.3of pupils); Ascaris lumbricoides (3.8); Hymenolepiasis nana (12.5); Enterobious vermicularis (5.7) and Giardia lamblia (12.5); with varying percentages between male and female pupils; and a highly statistical association between pupil sex and type of parasites (P0.001). Unapproved sanitary facilities and conditions of hygiene of the school and pupils were observed. Many intestinal parasitic infections among the primary school pupils were found. Unapproved and low inventory school sanitary facilities were observed; in addition to poor conditions of hygiene of pupils which may play a crucial role in these infections. The school facilities and sanitary conditions; especially the quality of water in the toilets; should be improved. Pupils and school personnel have a real need for health education about modes of transmission and preventive methods of intestinal parasitic infections

L'hygiene des mains en milieu de soin : la frequence mais aussi la qualite !

Le lavage des mains est reconnu depuis plus d'un siecle comme une mesure efficace de prevention des infections associees aux soins.L'objectif de notre travail est d'evaluer l'adhesion du personnel soignant au lavage des mains ainsi que l'observance et la pertinence de cette pratique permettant ainsi de juger de sa conformite aux recommandations. Il s'agit d'une etude prospective realisee a l'hopital universitaire FARHAT HACHED de Sousse aupres du personnel soignant de 4 services qui ont ete choisi au hasard parmi les services classes a haut risque infectieux et ceci par l'observation directe des pratiques professionnelles visant a mesurer l'adhesion et la pertinence du lavage des mains. Au total 254 observations ont ete realisees durant les deux semaines de l'etude. 18;9des personnels observes se lavent les mains avant et apres un acte; alors que 24des personnes auditees se sont laves les mains avant d'effectuer un acte seulement. La conformite avant et apres soin etait uniquement de 16;1. Ce travail nous a permis de faire un constat global sur les pratiques de lavage des mains. Il apparait important de determiner les obstacles au lavage des mains et les moyens de l'amelioration de l'observance des professionnels de la sante

Assessment of Existing Practices in the Operating Theatre in the Khartoum North Teaching Hospital; Sudan

This study; assessing existing practices in the operating theatre regarding hand washing; disinfection and sterilisation; was conducted at Khartoum North Teaching Hospital. As far as we know; this is the first study of its kind since the inauguration of the hospital in 1950. A total of 55 health personnel working in the operating theatre participated in the study. These included nurses and environmental service personnel (housekeepers and sterilisation and disinfection personnel). Knowledge and practice were evaluated using multiple choice and direct interview questions. Operation theatre sterilisation and disinfection practices were monitored using checklists modified from World Health Organization recommendations. A marked lack of knowledge and defective attitudes and practices were observed among a large number of personnel. It was observed that 51 of the nurses were 46 years of age or older and that two-thirds had only a primary and intermediate school level education. The study recommends the upgrading of the operating theatres and additional training and education of staff. Theatres should be provided with facilities for proper disinfection and waste disposal. Qualified nurses should be employed. We also recommend the establishment of an infection control committee. The role of the committee would include the planning and execution of hygiene policies. In addition; planning and organising training courses in infection control should be seen as a priority