Comparative study of infection control practices in DOTS/sputum microscopy centre in two different districts of state of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh of India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in India. TB is transmitted through droplet infection and the transmission occurs when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection control practices play a major role in controlling the TB infection in healthcare settings and further prevents TB infection in the HCWs. The aim of the study is to conduct the cross sectional study for infection control practices in DOTS cum Sputum Microscopy Centre's under NTEP in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) & Dehradun (Uttarakhand) districts with the objective to assess the compliance of infection control measures by HCWs in DOTS cum Sputum Microscopy Centre's and to suggest the suitable measures and/or model to reduce the transmission of infection to the HCWs and to the community at large.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The cross sectional study is conducted for two years in two districts of different state having high burden of TB disease in UP and low burden of disease in UK state. All DOTS cum Sputum Microscopy centres of both selected districts i.e. 100% sample size are covered in the study.

RESULTS

Hand washing is the most efficient and cost-effective practice for prevention and control of infection. In Dehradun district 66.66% (12) centers and in Ghaziabad district 57.14% (16) centers have adequate hand washing facility available at DOTS and sputum microscopy lab. Unavailability of adequate PPE will lead to the infection. In Dehradun district, 55.56% (10) centers have adequate PPE available whereas in Ghaziabad District 21.43% (6) centers have adequate PPE available. Training on infection prevention and control for HCWs are provided in 27.78% (5) DOTS/sputum microscopy center in Dehradun whereas none of the DOTS/sputum microscopy center in Ghaziabad district are given training on infection prevention & control for HCWs in last one year. Adequate ventilation plays an important role in transmission of TB/MDR TB or any respiratory infection. HCWs working in DOTS/Sputum microscopy center are at risk to contact the TB/MDR TB infection if there is no proper ventilation in their working places. In 33.33% (6) DOTS/sputum microscopy center in Dehradun & 28.57% (8) in Ghaziabad district have adequate ventilation. Layout of DOTS room and for sputum microscopy center are suggested to reduce the risk of transmission of TB/MDR-TB and other respiratory pathogens amongst HCWs who are working in DOTS cum sputum microscopy center.

CONCLUSION

DOTS cum Sputum Microscopy Centers of both districts in different states are having deficient infection control practices. Staff is not adequately trained in infection prevention and control practices.