Factors within the Primary Health Care System Affecting Compliance with Standard Infection Prevention Precautions among Community Health Practitioners in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: The cross-sectional study explored factors in the primary healthcare system affecting compliance with infection prevention precautions among community health practitioners (CHPs) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and the lived experiences of healthcare managers and practitioners in the primary healthcare system. Methods: The study involved 389 CHPs recruited through multistage sampling techniques. Data was collected using a mixed method techniques involving questionnaires, focus group discussions, and Key information interviews. However, 354 (91%) questionnaires were correctly filled out and returned. Item Mean Analysis was used to analyze data with a 2.0 criterion mean to determine factors affecting compliance with standard infection prevention precautions. Any item mean that is less than the criterion mean affects compliance with infection prevention precautions. Results: The study found that a significant proportion of CHPs (139, 39.3%) are aged 48 and above, with a 'mean age' of 42 (SD = 11.3). The majority were male (217; 85%), married (190; 54%), Christian (345; 96.8%), and had served for 21-30 years (119;37%). The study identified key factors of the primary health care system affecting compliance with standard infection prevention precautions, including the unavailability of resources (1.2), lack of infection prevention training (1.0), and absence of policy enforcement (1.0). Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the crucial role of policymakers and government officials in addressing the factors affecting compliance with infection prevention precautions. They should commit to infection prevention by providing resources, support, and responsible personnel for overseeing and enforcing measures at the primary health centers.