Covid 19

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Browsing Covid 19 by Author "Chimozimozi, Sunganani G."

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    Availability and level of utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) by Health Care Workers in wards and at the laboratory at Mwanza District Hospital, Southern Malawi
    (2021-11-09) M’mangisa, Chifundo Duster; Manja, Sister Florah; Chimozimozi, Sunganani G.
    1.1STUDY TYPE The study is a mixed methods design. The qualitative part will use in-depth interviews to understand level of acquaintance of health care workers on proper utilization of PPES. The quantitative component will review pharmacy records in stock cards, wards ordering books and a questionnaire will be used to comprehend health workers on proper use of the PPEs BACK GROUND The novel corona virus (COVID-19) is a viral air-borne disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus) [13]. Due to the rapid widespread of the disease, many areas in Malawi continue to record a high number of cases and mortality rate among individ uals and healthcare workers. One of the major factors that contributed to the widespread of this deadly virus in health facilities is indiscriminate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)[10]. In this research project we will assess availability and utilization of Personal protective equipment by healthcare workers during the pandemic, we define PPEs Availability as present or ready to use and utilization of PPEs as effective use of PPEs (health care worker are able to acquire appropriate medical PPEs at a point of health care delivery, in this time of pandemic and also asses level of knowledge they have on proper use of it). However, access to PPEs in many health facilities has become a challenge due to high demand of PPEs both international and local market[12]. The results will be presented to the Department of Health Systems Management and Policy as an examination. The hard copies will be shared through the library at College of Medicine and presentation will be shared through conferences under the College of Medicine. 1.2 problem statement Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is any material, device, equipment or clothing which is used or worn by a worker to protect them from exposure or contact with any harmful material or energy which may cause injury, infection or even death to the worker [4]. According to Torp, 2005 [5], the PPEs often used in health care settings include gloves, masks, goggles or face shields and aprons[14]. The use of PPE is a universal and legal requirement to protect workers against occupational injuries and illnesses in their workplace. These personalized items are very useful, as without them, workers could be exposed to a variety of toxic substances, chemicals, radiation, or incidents, which could result in occupational diseases, injuries, or even fatalities [6]. Although personal protection is often seen as an inexpensive solution of controlling occupational hazards, little consideration is given to the selection of suitable and effective devices, the maintenance of the devices and to the training of persons using the devices [7]. According to a study by Zingg et al ,2015, Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain as the most frequent adverse event in any healthcare delivery system and affect millions of people each year, leading to significant morbidity and mortality [8]. HAIs are infections acquired within a healthcare facility. The risk of HAIs can be reduced through practicing standard precautions (SPs), including use. In sub–Saharan African countries which Malawi is included annual PPEs needs for health care workers were estimated; surgical masks 213 000 000, Gloves 100 000 000, eye protection (face shields or goggles)3700 000, Gowns 1600 000. Similar Study which was done by, Madziatera et al ,2020[12] at QECH found that PPEs were available in 75.8% of wards, not available in 12.5%. Goggles were absent in 70.8% of wards. PPEs were 71.4% accessible and 28.6% inaccessible to healthcare workers in the wards. The most inaccessible PPEs were goggles (83.2%) and footwear (73.7%) while facemasks, sterile and non-sterile gloves and aprons were readily accessible. Non sterile gloves were 100% available and accessible. Only 13.5% of the HCWs had good compliance with PPE standard procedures. The average PPE compliance score of those who had been trained was 6 % greater than those who were not trained during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Malawi. 1.3 STUDY OBJECTIVES 1.3.1 Main Objective To determine factors influencing availability and utilization of PPEs among health care workers 1.3.2 Specific Objectives 1. To estimate the availability of PPEs at Mwanza District Hospital 2. To assess the level of knowledge on the appropriate use of PPEs among health care workers 3. To identify the factors influencing the use of PPEs among health care worker 1.4 Methodology 1.4.1 STUDY DESIGN The study is a mixed methods design. The qualitative part will use in-depth interviews to understand level of acquaintance of health care workers on proper utilization of PPEs. The quantitative component will review pharmacy records in stock cards, wards ordering books and a questionnaire will be used to comprehend health workers on proper use of the PPEs. Analysis of qualitative data will use thematic approach. Descriptive statistics using tables and graphs will be used to analyze quantitative data. The study population will be health workers in selected sections. The study will use random sampling to select health care workers. conceptual framework will help to understand relationship between the independent, intervening and the dependent variables that affect utilization of PPEs 1.5 EXPECTED FINDINGS The study is expected to be of great importance, not only to Mwanza District Hospital, but to the whole country in that: 1. The findings will help in scaling up infection prevention among health care workers. 2. It will contribute to further research study e.g. availability and use of PPEs in Malawi. 3. It will contribute to the literature for future referencing. 1.6 Results Dissemination For the project to be deemed relevant, it has to be communicated. Therefore, it is for this reason that the researchers decide to submit one copy of the results to the KUHeS Library, KUHeS Research Ethics Committee, department of Health Systems and Policy as well as in our various work places. It is our big hope that we present the findings at this year’s KUHeS Research Dissemination Conference as well as having our work published in Malawi Medical Journal.