Availability of Infection Prevention Measures and Occurrence of Infections in Childcare Centres in Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The establishment of Childcare Centres (CCs) has increased as several parents leave their homes to work and need a place to keep their children. CCs are expected to make available equipment and materials for infection prevention. Objective: To assess the facilities for infection prevention in CCs and the occurrence of common infections among children attending CCs. Methods: Quantitative research approach was used. The study was conducted among care providers in CCs in Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. The data were obtained using an observation checklist and a validated questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.831. Result: The mean age of the care providers was 35.3±9.4 years. Most (92.4%) care providers worked at private school-owned CCs. The features of infection commonly exhibited by the children included running nose (73.3%), blocked nose (49.6%), cough (66.8%), and sneezing (53.1%). Most (238; 90.8%) of the CCs had suitable structures, while 160 (61.0%) had none of the required essential structures. There was a significant positive relationship between the availability of essential structures in CCs and the occurrence of infection in the children (r = -0.153; p < 0.001) and a significant positive relationship between the availability of essential equipment and the occurrence of infection in CCs (r = 0.313; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Emphasis should be placed on providing more infection prevention measures in CCs. This should include relevant policies, guidelines and monitoring mechanisms.