APPROPRIATENESS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AGAINST BIO-HAZARDS EXPOSURE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Health facilities are sources of bio-hazards to healthcare personnel (HCP). Personal protective equipments (PPE) are among the key preventive control measures. The main objective of this research was to determine the efficacy of PPE as a safeguard against HBV, HCV, and HIV exposure amongst HCP at Public Primary healthcare facilities in Mombasa County. The study sought to assess the range and quality standards of PPEs available, adherence to PPE safety guidelines, and the rates of occupational exposures to HIV, HBV, and HCV amongst HCP in these facilities. The study adopted a Descriptive Cross-sectional design by utilizing structured questionnaires, observation guides, and lab assays as data collection tools. A simple random sampling approach was used in selection of the respondents. They included Clinical Officers, Lab Technicians, Nurses, Medical assistants, and Housekeepers. Laboratory assays were conducted to determine the quality standards of the PPE sampled from the facilities based on KEBS standards. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 and presented using pie charts, contingency tables, and bar charts. This study found that amongst the PPE, the uptake and compliance to gloves usage was the highest at 93.3%. There was significant association between range of PPE and utilization of available protective gear [X2 (4) = 5.69, p≤0.5 (0.17)]. In conclusion, hand PPE are the most available (70.4%), they met the KEBS accepted quality standards, but are not appropriate in preventing sharp related injuries. PPE are not suitable as apparatus but are effective when implemented as a policy. Prevalence of exposure to blood-borne pathogens was found to be 69.1% and the highest mode of exposure was sharp related injuries at 44.7%. The management of PPFs should ensure sustainable supply of PPE and HBV vaccine by reviewing the procurement processes, ensure availability of safety guidelines and facilitate regular training.