Assessment of Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Paediatric Wards at General Hospitals in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in paediatric wards are critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which disproportionately affect hospitalised children in low-resource settings. This cross-sectional evaluative study assesses IPC practices and compliance levels at paediatric wards in five general hospitals in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Structured observational checklists aligned with WHO IPC core components were used alongside interviews with 62 nurses and 18 ward physicians. Facility IPC audits covered hand hygiene practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, sharps safety, waste segregation, and surface decontamination. Consistent hand hygiene compliance before patient contact was observed in only 29.0% of healthcare worker interactions. Alcohol-based hand rub was unavailable in three of five facilities. PPE use was inconsistent, particularly during wound care and procedures. Sharps disposal compliance was adequate in 60.0% of observed interactions. Medical waste segregation was correct in only 48.4% of observed disposals. Healthcare workers cited lack of supplies, inadequate supervision, and poor IPC culture as primary barriers to compliance. The study recommends introducing structured IPC training, establishing hand hygiene compliance monitoring systems, ensuring consistent supply of IPC consumables, and appointing designated IPC focal persons at each facility. Keywords: infection prevention and control, paediatric ward, healthcare-associated infections, Taraba State, North East Nigeria.