Evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control Compliance in Private Hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State

Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in private hospitals in Nigeria remain poorly regulated and inconsistently implemented, creating avoidable risks of healthcare-associated infection transmission. This study evaluated IPC compliance in 20 licensed private hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria, using the WHO IPC assessment framework adapted for low-resource settings. Structured observational assessments, staff interviews, and facility audits were conducted across departments including wards, operating theaters, and outpatient consultation units. Microbiological environmental monitoring using settle plates and surface contact samples provided quantitative data on ambient microbial contamination. Results revealed that only 35 percent of facilities had formally appointed IPC focal persons. Hand hygiene compliance among observed healthcare workers was 29 percent overall. Alcohol-based hand rub was available at fewer than 40 percent of patient care points. Surface microbiological counts in operating theaters exceeded WHO-recommended thresholds in 50 percent of sampled facilities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage was inconsistent, with correct donning and doffing observed in 22 percent of procedural events monitored. These findings document widespread IPC deficiencies in private hospital settings in Ibadan and underscore the urgency of mandatory IPC accreditation, dedicated IPC staffing, and supply chain interventions to ensure hand hygiene product availability. Keywords: infection prevention and control, private hospitals, hand hygiene, healthcare-associated infections, Ibadan.