Infection Prevention and Control Compliance among Healthcare Workers in a Rural Ugandan District: A Facility-Based Study

Hospital-acquired infections remain a significant public health challenge, and adherence to standard precautions and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is essential to minimize transmission.However, compliance in rural health facilities is often inadequate.This study employed an institution-based cross-sectional design conducted over two months in 2021, involving all healthcare workers in 30 lower-level health facilities in Butambala District, Uganda.Inclusion of the entire workforce minimized selection bias and improved representativeness.Data were collected using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions.Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with IPC compliance.Only 10.6% of healthcare workers fully complied with IPC measures.Professional cadre was significantly associated with compliance, with laboratory technicians showing higher adherence (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI [1.14-5.74],p = 0.037).COVID-19 vaccination status was also a significant factor; those who had received the second dose were more likely to comply (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI [1.04-5.74],p = 0.043).Conversely, an inadequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) was strongly linked to noncompliance (AOR = 0.012, 95% CI [0.03-0.45],p = 0.002).In conclusion, IPC compliance among healthcare workers in Butambala District was alarmingly low.Professional cadre, vaccination status, and PPE availability were key influencing factors.Strengthening IPC requires targeted interventions to improve PPE supply, enhance training, and promote adherence to national protocols to protect both healthcare workers and patients.