Good hygiene practice application in the private sector, Tunisia

Area of Science:

• Infection Prevention and Control
• Public Health
• General Practice

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) outside facilities are underestimated due to poor organization and surveillance.
• HCAI prevalence is expected to rise with increased out-of-hospital care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze hygiene practices among private general practitioners (GPs).
• To inform the organization of HCAI prevention strategies in the private sector.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted.
• A self-administered questionnaire was used among GPs in Sousse City, Tunisia (Nov 2017-Mar 2018).

Main Results:

• High participation (93.1%) with predominantly male GPs (63%).
• 82% had up-to-date vaccinations; 51.3% used hydroalcoholic solutions, 12.1% autoclaving, 98.1% wore gloves.
• 35.2% reported blood exposure accidents (BEAs), mainly needle-stick injuries (86.8%), more in GPs >50 years using reusable equipment.

Conclusions:

• Identified key areas for organizing HCAI prevention in private practice.
• Addressing GP isolation, training, and information gaps is essential.
• Requires commitment from stakeholders to improve care quality and safety.