Adhesion to Tuberculosis Preventive Measures by Health Workers in Diagnostic and Treatment Centers in Douala - Cameroon

Tuberculosis remains a major health problem in Africa. In Cameroon, it has impacted mortality as well as morbidity. Its socio-economic effects have been particularly hard on the population of big cities such as Douala, where it has increased mortality and morbidity rates. In 2018, the Littoral region of Cameroon saw more than 5,000 cases of tuberculosis. This accounted for 25% of the total number of TB patients in the country that year. In order to control the spread of tuberculosis, health workers must use protective measures and maintain a high level of surveillance for TB infection. This study assessed the level of adherence to TB prevention measures by health workers in the diagnostic and treatment centers in Douala. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by researchers from 20 July 2020 to 15 August 2020. The researchers surveyed health workers from 12 TB screening and treatment centers in the city of Douala. The data were collected using an observation grid designed on the basis of the WHO health professionals’ technical guidelines 4th Edition. The guidelines were contextualized in Cameroon through the technical guidelines for health professionals in Cameroon 2020. The data collected was analyzed using the statistical software Epi Info 7.2.3.1. In the city of Douala, health workers in diagnostic and treatment centers implemented preventive measures against TB, but were insufficient. The adherence average for management measures was 79.16%, environmental measures 71.80% and individual protection measures 54.76%. Poor infection control measures in TB diagnostic and treatment centers in the city of Douala can spread tuberculosis. To solve this, an institutional effort is required to strengthen TB prevention activities.