Compliance with infection control practices in sputum microscopy centres: a study from Kerala, India
Assesses infection control practices in 38 designated microscopy centres in Kannur district, Kerala
Abstract
Background
One of the strategies of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in India to achieve tuberculosis control is by increasing case detection through a nationwide network of designated microscopy centres (DMC). Practice of standard precautions for infection control in these DMCs is very important to prevent transmission of infection not only to the laboratory personnel, but also to the general population. However, in India this has not been evaluated by an external agency.
Method
A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess knowledge, facilities and compliance regarding infection control practices (ICP) in all 38 DMCs in Kannur district, Kerala, India, in 2015. Using observations and interviews, the investigators collected data in a structured format.
Results
Overall knowledge about infection control was found to be satisfactory among 29% of laboratory technicians. Overall facilities for infection control were satisfactory in 61% of the DMCs, while adherence to ICP was satisfactory in 45% of the DMCs. Knowledge regarding ICP was better in government DMCs, whereas facilities for ICP and adherence to biomedical waste management guidelines were better in private DMCs.
Conclusion
Given the higher risk of infection among laboratory technicians, there is an urgent need to address the shortcomings in infection control practices.
This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development’s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)
Citation
O. P. Aslesh, N. P. Ubaid, S. B. Nagaraja, H. D. Shewade, K. V. Padmanabhan, B. R. Naik,M. Satpati, S. Blesson, A. K. Jayasree (2015) Compliance with infection control practices in sputum microscopy centres: a study from Kerala, India. Public Health Action vol 5 no 4 p255–260 https://dx.doi.org/10.5588%2Fpha.15.0053
Links
Compliance with infection control practices in sputum microscopy centres: a study from Kerala, India