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Knowledge and Practices of Infection Control Interventions amongst Hospital Cleaners at Health Care Units of Capricorn District, Limpopo Province

Abstract Health care-associated infections remain a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. The main source of nosocomial pathogens is likely the patients’ endogenous flora and this can be attributed to cross infection via the hands of health care personnel, through direct or indirect contact with contaminated environmental surfaces. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and practices of hospital cleaners regarding infection control interventions at health care units of tertiary hospital in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in obstetric, casualty, and neonatal. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Population comprised of hospital cleaners, working in obstetric, casualty, and neonatal units. Non-probability, convenient sampling method was used to select thirteen participants and data were collected by means of unstructured face to face interviews. Data were analysed using open coding method. Two themes emerged; namely; infectious product with the following three sub-themes; infection control information, different colour codes as a precautionary measures and shortage of staff. Theme two addressed infection control practices by healthcare professionals with two sub-themes, namely; infection practices by nurses and infection control practices by medical practitioners. Recommendations to develop contextual in-service education for infection prevention and control, in collaboration with the hospital Infection Prevention and Control and Occupational Health and Safety Unit.