Poor Hygiene and Its Associated Factors: A Case Study of Selected Healthcare Facilities in South Sudan
Abstract
The increasing negative risks and effects of poor hygiene on the people's heath have called for investigation. This study aimed at assessing poor hygiene and its associated factors in selected healthcare facilities in South Sudan. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using a mixed-methods approach. The questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 384 respondents. The findings indicated several individual factors responsible for poor hygiene, including improper waste disposal, failure to follow infection prevention protocols by patients and visitors, a lack of awareness about hygiene practices, and issues with contaminated water leading to foodborne illnesses. Most respondents agreed that these factors significantly impact the selected healthcare facilities' hygiene standards. Majority of respondents acknowledged that unsafe and unsanitary surroundings contribute to disease spread (34.93% agreed, 28.76% strongly agreed). However, opinions were divided on the impact of improper waste management (49.31% were unsure). Absignificant number of respondents strongly agreed that inadequate waste disposal bins contribute to poor hygiene (45.20%), with additional agreement from others (34.24%). Overcrowding was noted to strain water and sanitation infrastructure, with varying levels of agreement among respondents. Insufficient waste bins were cited as attracting pests, with a majority agreeing that this contributes to poor hygiene. These findings imply that addressing individual behaviour, such as improving awareness and compliance with hygiene protocols could significantly enhance hygiene practices in South Sudanese healthcare facilities furthermore, the study suggests that improving infrastructure, increasing staffing levels, and enhancing operational practices are crucial for addressing hygiene challenges in South Sudanese healthcare facilities.