Use of disinfectants and antiseptics in Jamaican health care institutions - a knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices study - abstract

ABSTRACT

Little has been published concerning choices and use of disinfectants and antiseptics in Caribbean health care institutions. This paper reports some findings from a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and patterns of use concerning those chemicals. The study was carried out among 176 distributors or users from 12 public health care institutions in the cities and major rural towns of Jamaica. Most respondents acknowledged no distinction between the terms "disinfectant" and "antiseptic". Pharmacies gave the most accurate definitions. Fifteen per cent of all respondents failed to give any definition. In general, female respondents were better informed than males. Bleach, "Savlon" (R) and phenolics were the most commonly used disinfectants, while alcohol was seldom acknowledged for this purpose. Disinfectants were supplied sometimes as concentrates and sometimes in diluted form; they were not always stored appropriately and were often over- or under-diluted. Few respondents knew the recommended strengths for effective disinfection and chemosterilization. Concerning disinfectants, a small number of ancillary workers and registered nurses listed "smell" as their most important characteristic. Some persons believed that all disinfectants are safe and effective for all purposes. When supplies were short, inappropriate substitution occurred in 37 percent of cases. Policy guidelines for cleaning and disinfection are urgently needed in Jamaican health institutions. Education of health workers should stress appropriate selection, storage, and monitoring of the use of disinfectants and antiseptics. Pre-employment and in-service training of workers in infection control, including disinfectant use, is highly recommended (AU)