Evaluation of Hygiene Practices among Medical Staff Using Mobile Phones at Yaoundé General Hospital: Implications for Infection and Sepsis Prevention
Cedric Fossi Tchinda *
Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Karyom Djim-Adjim-Ngana *
Laboratory of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Centre for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Daouda Ismaila
Niort Hospital Centre, Niort, France.
Lucrece Olivia Njike Tchana
Department of Clinical Biology, Estuary Academic and Strategic Institute (IUEs/INSAM), University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Gael Njini Nfor
Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Genevieve Andoseh
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon and Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research and Pharmacology, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon.
Gaizirene Egoume Feudjieu
Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon and Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Sonia Gayap Matchuenkam
Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Kikie Josiane Essola
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMSP), University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Armelle D. Tchamgoue
Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Gabriel Agbor Agbor
Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Nosocomial infections, particularly sepsis, represent a major public health challenge, especially in hospital settings where hygiene practices may fall short. The use of mobile phones by medical staff can act as a vector for pathogen transmission, thereby increasing the risk of cross-infections. This study aims to evaluate the hygiene practices of medical staff when using mobile phones at Yaoundé General Hospital and assess their impact on infection and sepsis prevention.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical, and evaluative study was conducted among medical staff within the hospital. Utilising a stratified random sampling method, this study included 162 participants. Data were collected through direct observations, structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and microbiological analyses of samples taken from mobile phones and hospital surfaces. Statistical analyses comprised both descriptive and comparative tests.
Results: The findings revealed that 97.5% of medical staff carry their phones at work, 85.8% use them in clinical settings, and 60.5% do not wash their hands after answering calls. Microbiological analysis detected potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, on mobile phones. Disinfection practices were inconsistent and frequently inadequate, with only 45.7% of participants using an alcohol-based disinfectant.
Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and the establishment of stringent disinfection protocols for mobile phones within hospital settings to mitigate the transmission of nosocomial infections and sepsis. Implementing specific recommendations, such as training sessions and hygiene audits, is essential to enhance the hygiene practices of medical staff.
Keywords: Hospital hygiene, mobile phones, nosocomial infections, sepsis, prevention, disinfection