Effectiveness of infection prevention and control interventions in health care facilities in Africa: A systematic review

Igwe, Uzoma; Okolie, Obiageli; Ismail, Sanda; Adukwu, Emmanuel

Abstract

Background Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety and quality care. However, they are avoidable by implementing evidence-based infection prevention and control measures. This review evaluated the evidence of the effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) interventions in reducing rates of HAIs in healthcare settings in Africa. Method We searched several databases: CENTRAL, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, WHO IRIS and AJOL for primary studies reporting rates of the four most frequent HAIs: surgical site infections, central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumoniae and increase in hand hygiene compliance. Two reviewers appraised the studies and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results Out of 4,624 studies identified from databases and additional sources, 15 studies were finally included in the review. Majority of studies were of pre and post-test study design. All the studies implemented a combination of interventions and not as stand-alone components. Across all included studies, an improvement was reported in at least one primary outcome. Conclusion Our review highlights the potential of IPC interventions in reducing HAIs and improving compliance with hand hygiene in healthcare facilities in Africa. However, the certainty of evidence was low for majority of the outcomes. For future research, we recommend more pragmatic study designs with improved methodological rigor.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 6, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 12, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2024
• Journal: American Journal of Infection Control
• Print ISSN: 0196-6553
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2024.06.004
• Keywords: infection control, hospital acquired, nosocomial, systematic review
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12036837
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/american-journal-of-infection-control