A retrospective audit of neonatal BCG vaccination in Grampian, Scotland.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine confers protection against tuberculosis (TB) and works most effectively when given to infants. Scotland runs a risk-based program in which BCG vaccine is offered to infants whose parent or grandparent was born in a high incidence country for TB. BCG vaccination records for all infants born in Grampian from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2021 were reviewed from Nov 2022 to Feb 2023. Three electronic databases were examined, i.e. BadgerNet, Scottish Immunisation Recall System and TrakCare. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Out of a total of 16,078 live births in the 3-year study period, 2060 met the criteria for offering BCG vaccination. The uptake level was 93% in 2019, 89% in 2020 (in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic) and 93% in 2021. Audit results demonstrated higher uptake than the 85% key performance indicator target within the 2018 Scottish TB Framework and improvement in vaccination rates as compared to earlier rates of 86% in 2012 and 90% in 2013 in Grampian. Strengthening electronic systems and enhancing awareness regarding TB and the BCG vaccine can further progress BCG vaccination uptake.

Knowledge and awareness of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV among pregnant women in Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) affect a significant proportion of the populace in developing countries. Pregnant women and deprived segments of the population are disproportionately affected. The aim of our study was to assess the awareness regarding the three blood-borne infections amongst pregnant Pakistani women belonging to low socioeconomic classes. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 297 pregnant women at two antenatal healthcare facilities in Islamabad, Pakistan between September and November 2019. A pretested structured questionnaire was employed for data collection and knowledge levels were classified into three categories i.e. "Good", "Average", and "Poor" according to pre-set criteria. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS Version 21. RESULTS: None of the study participants had "Good" knowledge regarding the three blood-borne infections. Around 52% of the women had "Poor" while 47% had "Average" knowledge. None of the study participants were aware that HIV can be transmitted during delivery. Women aged 30-35 years had significantly higher knowledge as compared to other age groups (p < 0.001). The difference in knowledge amongst women in association with education, income status, and previous pregnancies was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness regarding Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV amongst pregnant Pakistani women of low socioeconomic status is insufficient which can lead to an increased risk of acquiring these infections, especially during childbirth. It is vital to impart health education regarding these diseases and monitor hygiene standards in health care facilities.

EVALUATION OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL TRAINING WORKSHOPS USING KIRKPATRICK'S MODEL.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate infection prevention and control (IPC) training workshops using Kirkpatrick model level 1 and 2 regarding satisfaction of trainees and improvement of their knowledge and skills. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 353 healthcare workers from January 2020 to March 2020, at four hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. Training feedback questionnaires and pre and post tests were employed for data collection. The authors analyzed data using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The majority (52%) of participants rated the trainings as "Excellent", 44% rated "Good" while 2% graded "Average". Pre and post-tests mean scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement in knowledge and skills (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The training workshops significantly improved healthcare workers' knowledge and skills regarding Infection Prevention and Control and earned high satisfaction scores from the trainees.

Infection prevention and control situation in public hospitals of Islamabad.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infections represent a global public health challenge and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a neglected area in healthcare facilities across Pakistan. The objective of our study was to elucidate the current state of infection prevention and control practices in public sector hospitals of Islamabad to underscore potential areas for improvement. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2019 at five public sector hospitals of Islamabad. The World Health Organization's Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) was used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of hospitals regarding infection prevention and control. Adapted tools derived from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Infection Prevention Society were used for detailed assessment of various departments. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016. RESULTS: In all five hospitals, the total IPCAF score was less than 200 denoting that infection prevention and control implementation is deficient and significant improvement is needed. The median IPCAF score was 117.5 with an interquartile range of 53.75. With the exception of central sterile services unit at one hospital, departments at all hospitals failed to meet even 50% of required IPC standards. CONCLUSIONS: Significant change is needed to improve the existent situation of infection prevention and control in public sector hospitals of Islamabad. This would involve establishment of functional programs, development and implementation of infection prevention and control guidelines and provision of adequate supplies.

Satisfaction of Female Patients with Health Care Services at the Peri-urban Community Health Centre in Islamabad.

Objective To evaluate the satisfaction levels of female patients with the availability and quality of health care services provided at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Nurpur Shahan, a deprived peri-urban locality in Islamabad. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among 346 randomly selected female patients who attended the CHC in Nurpur Shahan from January to March, 2018. Data was collected by face to face interviews using a pre-tested self-designed questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Female patients were largely satisfied with the behaviour (96%) and competence (97.1%) of doctors, the attitude of the paramedical staff (93.6%), quality of medicines (93.6%) and basic facilities at the CHC including drinking water, bathrooms, and cleanliness. Patients had mixed satisfaction levels with various aspects of antenatal services, post-natal care, immunization services as well as the location of CHC (58.7%), availability of prescribed medicines (67.1%) and affordability of laboratory tests at the centre (63.3%). Major areas of discontent were health education regarding breastfeeding and immunization, the average waiting time to see a doctor, the waiting area, and family planning services. Conclusion Although patient satisfaction levels with certain health care services were good, there is considerable room for improvement in other aspects of provided services at the CHC.