Systemic and Structural Barriers to Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya.
1
School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1808
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are increasingly becoming common adverse events in health service delivery and a major public health concern (WHO, 2017). These HAIs have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, quality of life, as well as probable causes of outbreaks and spread of resistance. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in WASH and infection prevention and control (IPC) policies globally (Brown, 2025). Adherence to IPC strategies is imperative to the functionality of any healthcare system. Despite adopting these guidelines, health facilities continue to face unique systemic and structural barriers in adapting IPC practices.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional qualitative design involving 7 in-depth interviews from 5 IPC committee members and 3 department managers to gain perspectives of health providers on the current IPC practices. Qualitative data were captured using audio tapes and field notes, transcribed, translated, and exported into QSR NVivo V.12 for analysis. Qualitative analysis utilized content thematic analysis to uncover hidden themes.
RESULTS:
The most recurring themes from thematic analysis were inadequate and untimely IPC training, workforce restraints, and lack of resources. These indicate that effective IPC practices are hindered by financial and human resources restraints, which interrupt continuous medical education (CME), availability and functionality of IPC infrastructure, adequate staff in all departments, and adaptation of National IPC and WASH guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results indicated that resource limitation is the major contributor to ineffective IPC practices. Tackling this issue requires a multifaceted approach between policymakers, healthcare managers, and healthcare workers.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are increasingly becoming common adverse events in health service delivery and a major public health concern (WHO, 2017). These HAIs have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, quality of life, as well as probable causes of outbreaks and spread of resistance. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in WASH and infection prevention and control (IPC) policies globally (Brown, 2025). Adherence to IPC strategies is imperative to the functionality of any healthcare system. Despite adopting these guidelines, health facilities continue to face unique systemic and structural barriers in adapting IPC practices.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional qualitative design involving 7 in-depth interviews from 5 IPC committee members and 3 department managers to gain perspectives of health providers on the current IPC practices. Qualitative data were captured using audio tapes and field notes, transcribed, translated, and exported into QSR NVivo V.12 for analysis. Qualitative analysis utilized content thematic analysis to uncover hidden themes.
RESULTS:
The most recurring themes from thematic analysis were inadequate and untimely IPC training, workforce restraints, and lack of resources. These indicate that effective IPC practices are hindered by financial and human resources restraints, which interrupt continuous medical education (CME), availability and functionality of IPC infrastructure, adequate staff in all departments, and adaptation of National IPC and WASH guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results indicated that resource limitation is the major contributor to ineffective IPC practices. Tackling this issue requires a multifaceted approach between policymakers, healthcare managers, and healthcare workers.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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