An exploration of health workers risks of contracting tuberculosis at workplace: a qualitative study

Abstract Abstract; Background To explore the perceptions of health workers on the risks of contracting tuberculosis at Namwala District Hospital. Tuberculosis literature indicates that health workers are at risk of contracting tuberculosis whilst conducting their daily duties at the workplace mainly due to low tuberculosis awareness. It is against this empirical evidence that this study was conducted to further explore health workers risky behavior, attitude and practices that expose them to tuberculosis infection when on duty and eventually generate effective health promotion and public health interventions. Methods Semi-structured interviews lasting between 35 to 45 minutes were conducted to each participant. A volunteer sampling technique was used to recruit ten participants for this study. All ten interviews were audio recorded in order to enhance consistency during data analysis process. Interview materials were transcribed verbatim, coded and themes generated to form thematic networks. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis strategy. Results Four themes were identified; 1. Health workers personal safety : participants reported wearing uniforms and gloves but they were not putting-on face masks hence, exposing themselves to tuberculosis infection. 2. Infection prevention practices : hand washing was described by many participants as a universal method of protecting health staff from the risks of contracting tuberculosis at the hospital however, few health workers frequently washed their hands after attending to tuberculosis patients. 3. Health workers working environment : the working environment at the hospital was not conducive for both health workers and patients due to poor ventilation, unhygienic conditions, overcrowding and lack of an isolation ward. 4. Health promotion : awareness on tuberculosis was reported to be low and no refresher training was conducted to health workers at the hospital. Conclusion The risks of contracting tuberculosis by health workers at Namwala District Hospital did exist hence, a need of advocating for tuberculosis awareness to health workers through appropriate health promotion interventions. Health policy should focus on continuous health promotion activities on prevention and control of tuberculosis at health facilities and communities.