Evaluation of the implementation of biosafety & biosecurity practices among laboratory workers in Narok County Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Biosafety and biosecurity (BB) are of paramount importance in putting measures to protect humans, animals, and the environment from biological hazards, as well as preventing the misuse of biological agents. Biosafety training integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application to help LWs to protect themselves from acquiring the highly infectious agents in biological specimens on daily basis. The implementation of BB is crucial in mitigating laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) and potential bioterrorism threats. Despite existing WHO and Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines, there is limited data on the extent of BB implementation among LWs in Narok County hospitals. This study assessed the implementation of BB practices in laboratory settings across the county. This study assessed the implementation of BB among LWs in Narok county hospitals (NCHs). Objectives: This study is designed to determine the demographic factors, knowledge, skills and altitudes, constraints and compliance of BB of the laboratory workers in NCHs. Methods: A Mixed-method design was utilized in this study. A total of 102 participants were recruited through census sampling. The participants comprised laboratory workers and laboratory in-charges in both public and private and total hospital laboratories were seventy (70). Eligible participants responded to a structured questionnaire containing both open- and closed-ended questions. The 15 laboratory in-charges were interviewed by the researcher. In addition, site visits were conducted for observation purposes using a checklist completed by the researcher, Data analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (version 30.0). Descriptive statistics; including frequencies and percentages were computed. Inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and P-values, were used to examine associations between independent variables (clinical skills learning resource setting and staff views) and the dependent variable (the self-evaluation of clinical skills competence). The ethical clearance MTRH/ was obtained from MU-Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee (ISERC)- No. 0005188, NACOSTI License and permission was obtained from the County Director of Health of Narok county. Written and verbal informed consent was obtained from each participant before entering the study. Results: A total of 102 participants completed the self-administered study questionnaire. There was significant deference in higher education (p=0.020), years of experience (p=0.033) and prior BB training (p=<0.001), while age (p=0.081) and gender (p=0.379) had no significant influence. Inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited training were major constraints. Out of 102 participants, 27 (26.5%) had high compliance, 44 (43.1%) respondents had moderate compliance while 31 (30.4%) had low compliance. Only 102 (100%) lab workers were observed for skills more emphasis on use of SOPs.43.66%(1) had LAIs and all 102 had an exposure infectious agent. Conclusion: High professional level, work experience and additional BB training significantly improved knowledge and practical competence, while age and gender had no significant influence. Inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited training were major constraints. Recommendations: The national government to strengthen funding targeted to County health governments in matters of biosafety and BB training. Monitoring of BB training by KMLLTB. The county health department to enhance support professional development for LWs and employment of more LWs for better BB implementation.