BARRIERS TO THE PREVENTION OF POST-OPERATIVE INFECTION AMONG NURSES AT VOM CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL (VCH), JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

Post-operative infections (POIs), particularly surgical site infections, remain a major public health concern and are among the leading causes of increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, higher treatment costs, and preventable mortality worldwide. Despite advances in surgical techniques and infection prevention strategies, the burden of post-operative infections remains disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries due to persistent healthcare system challenges. This study investigated the barriers to the effective prevention of post-operative infections in healthcare facilities. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, using structured questionnaires to obtain quantitative data from healthcare professionals and semi-structured interviews to generate qualitative insights. Participants included surgeons, nurses, and infection prevention and control personnel working in selected tertiary and secondary healthcare institutions. Secondary data were obtained from hospital records, infection surveillance reports, and relevant peer-reviewed literature to complement the primary findings. The study revealed that poor compliance with infection prevention and control protocols, inadequate availability of sterile equipment and supplies, workforce shortages, limited knowledge and application of evidence-based practices, patient overcrowding, and insufficient post-operative patient education constitute major barriers to effective infection prevention. Furthermore, inadequate staff training, weak institutional policies, and poor implementation of infection prevention guidelines were identified as significant organizational constraints. The study concludes that effective prevention of post-operative infections requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving strengthened infection prevention policies, continuous professional education, improved resource allocation, enhanced adherence to evidence-based clinical practices, and sustained quality improvement initiatives. Addressing these barriers will contribute significantly to reducing the incidence of post-operative infections, improving patient safety, and enhancing the overall quality of surgical care.