Adherence to Infection Control Practices by Nursing Staff in Outpatient Clinics: A Case of Gweru Provincial Hospital, 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to assess adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices by nursing staff in outpatient clinics at Gweru Provincial Hospital in 2025. Infection prevention and control practices are critical in reducing healthcare-associated infections, protecting patients and healthcare workers, and ensuring the delivery of safe and quality healthcare services. Despite the existence of established IPC guidelines, compliance among healthcare workers remains a challenge in many healthcare settings, particularly in resource-constrained environments. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the level of adherence to key IPC practices among nursing staff, identify barriers affecting compliance, and recommend strategies to improve adherence within outpatient clinic settings. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a descriptive cross-sectional research design, which enabled the collection of data at a single point in time and provided a comprehensive overview of existing IPC practices. A sample of 152 nursing staff comprising registered nurses, student nurses, and nurse aides was selected using simple random sampling after the sample size had been determined through Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to assess self-reported adherence levels and perceptions regarding IPC practices. In addition, an observational checklist was utilized to obtain objective information on actual compliance with infection control procedures. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data, while inferential statistics such as chi-square tests and correlation analysis were employed to determine relationships among study variables. The findings revealed that adherence to IPC practices was generally moderate but remained below recommended standards. Significant deficiencies were observed in hand hygiene compliance and the consistent use of personal protective equipment. The study further identified inadequate resources, insufficient training opportunities, excessive workload, and weak monitoring systems as the major barriers to compliance. The study concluded that improving adherence to IPC practices requires a multifaceted approach. It recommended strengthening institutional IPC policies, ensuring the adequate provision of infection control resources, enhancing continuous professional development programmes, and implementing effective monitoring and feedback mechanisms to improve compliance and ultimately promote patient and staff safety.