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Review
. 2025 Feb 22;16(2):624.
doi: 10.4102/jphia.v16i2.624. eCollection 2025.

Factors shaping cleaning and disinfection practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative evidence synthesis

Ogonna N O Nwankwo  1   2   3   4 , Anne N Meremikwu  5 , Ezinne C Okebe  6 , Marcel A Otonkue  6 , Hope N Okebalama  6 , Kathleen Dunn  7   8 , Hannah Hamilton-Hurwitz  7 , April Baller  7
Affiliations
Review

Factors shaping cleaning and disinfection practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative evidence synthesis

Ogonna N O Nwankwo et al. J Public Health Afr. .

Abstract

Background: Cleaning and disinfection of the physical environment is important as it can reduce the transmission of microorganisms. However, adherence to cleaning and disinfection protocols varies due to factors such as personal factors and external influences like resource availability, workload, and institutional support.

Aim: To synthesise factors influencing the uptake of cleaning and disinfection interventions in healthcare and community setting in the context of COVID-19.

Setting: These findings as seen in any country irrespective of setting.

Method: Medline and World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Research databases were searched from January 2020 to September 2022. The search identified 1618 studies, and analysis was performed using the thematic synthesis approach. The confidence in each review finding was ascertained using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach.

Results: Six analytical themes were identified. Cleaning and disinfection were seen as a cornerstone of patient care. Individual judgement, historic standards, norms and practices, ability to implement rapid practice guideline change and resource considerations were seen to influence the uptake of cleaning.

Conclusion: There is a need for further qualitative studies in these areas, especially looking at the different interventions from an equity lens. Resource needs and availability were key factors influencing the uptake of cleaning and disinfection in both communities and health facilities.

Contribution: This review shows important considerations for implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions in the context of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; cleaning; disinfection; infection prevention and control; qualitative evidence synthesis; rapid appraisal; systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors reported that they received funding from a grant from Country Readiness Strengthening, WHO World Health Emergencies Programme, Geneva, Switzerland through Cochrane Nigeria, which may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed publication. The author has disclosed those interests fully and has implemented an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from their involvement. The terms of these funding arrangements have been reviewed and approved by the affiliated university in accordance with its policy on objectivity in research.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses flow diagram.
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References

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