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Injection practices in Burkina Faso in 2000
J Fitzner1, J-F Aguilera, A Yameogo
1World Health Organization Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland. fitznerj@lyon.who.int
Summary
Safe injection practices in Burkina Faso showed high use of sterile equipment but concerning needle recapping and disposal methods. Interventions are needed to reduce risks of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Healthcare Safety
Background:
- Unsafe injections contribute to the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Estimating the prevalence of safe injection practices is crucial for disease control in Burkina Faso.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of safe injection practices in primary health facilities in Burkina Faso.
Main Methods:
- A standardized World Health Organization tool was used to evaluate injection practices.
- A two-stage cluster sampling method selected 80 primary health facilities.
- Data were collected through structured observations and provider interviews, analyzed using Epi-Info software.
Main Results:
- 96% of facilities used new, single-use syringes and needles for injections.
- Needle recapping occurred in 56% of facilities, and used needles were improperly discarded in 83% of facilities.
- 61% of staff reported needlestick injuries in the past year, indicating ongoing risks.
Conclusions:
- While sterile injection equipment was widely available, unsafe practices persisted in Burkina Faso health facilities in 2000.
- Specific interventions are necessary to mitigate risks to patients, healthcare workers, and the community from unsafe injections.