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. 2014 Dec 15;9(12):e114364.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114364. eCollection 2014.

Healthcare workers' challenges in the implementation of tuberculosis infection prevention and control measures in Mozambique

Miranda Brouwer  1 , Eliana Coelho  2 , Carla das Dores Mosse  3 , Luciana Brondi  4 , Laura Winterton  5 , Frank van Leth  6
Affiliations

Healthcare workers' challenges in the implementation of tuberculosis infection prevention and control measures in Mozambique

Miranda Brouwer et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have a higher frequency of TB exposure than the general population and have therefore an occupational TB risk that infection prevention and control (IPC) measures aim to reduce. HCWs are crucial in the implementation of these measures. The objective of the study was to investigate Mozambican HCWs' perceptions of their occupational TB risk and the measures they report using to reduce this risk. In addition, we explored the challenges HCWs encounter while using these TBIPC measures.

Methods: Focus group discussion. Analysis according content method.

Participants: Four categories of HCWs: auxiliary workers, medical (doctors and clinical officers), nurses and TB program staff.

Results: HCWs are aware of their occupational TB risk and use various measures to reduce their risk of infection. HCWs find it challenging to employ measures that minimize such risks and a lack of clear guidelines contributes to these challenges. HCWs' and patient behavior further complicate the use of TBIPC measures.

Conclusion: HCWs in Mozambique perceive a high occupational risk of TB infection. They report several challenges using measures to reduce this risk such as shortage of material, lack of clear guidelines, insufficient motivation and inadequate training. Robust training with motivational approaches, alongside supervision and support for HCWs could improve implementation of TBIPC measures. Healthcare management should address the areas for improvement that are beyond the individual HCW's control.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Framework for TB Infection and Prevention Control measures in Mozambique.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Joshi R, Reingold AL, Menzies D, Pai M (2006) Tuberculosis among health-care workers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. PLoS Med 3:e494. - PMC - PubMed
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    1. Ministério de Saúde, Direcção Nacional de Saúde Pública, Programa Nacional de Controlo da Tuberculose (2010) Política e Plano Nacional de Controlo da Infecção para a Tuberculose em Unidades Sanitárias e ambientes conglomerados de Moçambique. Available: http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/guidelines/mozambique.pdf.
    1. Ministério da Saúde (2009) Inquérito nacional de prevalência, riscos comportamentais e informação sobre o HIV e SIDA em Moçambique (INSIDA 2009) relatório final.

Publication types

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