Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections, including COVID-19 and sepsis, pose a significant threat to healthcare workers' productivity and patients' safety globally. Adhering to standard infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is crucial. This study assessed adherence levels, explored the availability of IPC supplies, and determined factors associated with adherence to IPC practices among healthcare workers at Juba Teaching Hospital. METHODS: This facility-based cross-sectional study involved 168 healthcare workers (HCWs) selected through a stratified sampling technique at Juba Teaching Hospital. HCWs were stratified by profession. The dependent variable was adherence to standard IPC practices, while the independent variables included education levels, working experience, availability of IPC supplies, IPC policies/guidelines, IPC committees, and in-service training. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, key informants, and in-depth interview guides. Data were analyzed using Stata and presented in tables, graphs, and logistic regression tables. RESULTS: Overall adherence to standard IPC practices was moderate at 62.7%. The most commonly available IPC supplies were sharp disposal containers/safety boxes (90%), hand washing facilities (90%), and waste disposal containers (90%). However, some IPC supplies were unavailable, including disinfectants, color-coded bins, placenta pits, waste pits with sharps, and waste pits for noninfectious waste. Factors significantly associated with adherence to IPC practices included sufficient IPC supplies (AOR 2.35 [1.11-4.96]), presence of an IPC committee (AOR 2.07 [1.03-3.87]). IPC in-service training (AOR 1.57 [0.76-3.25]), and IPC policies/guidelines (AOR 1.54 [0.73-3.22]) were also found to be associated. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers were more likely to adhere to standard IPC practices if they had sufficient IPC supplies and an IPC committee. Additionally, receiving in-service training on IPC and having IPC policies/guidelines were associated with better adherence. To increase adherence levels, the South Sudan Ministry of Health should ensure adequate IPC supplies, strengthen IPC committees, and offer IPC in-service training and policies/guidelines to healthcare workers at Juba Teaching Hospital.