Publications

Poor hygiene practices in healthcare facilities contribute significantly to the spread of diseases and compromisepublic health outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings like South Sudan. This study presents acomprehensive assessment of the multifaceted factors influencing hygiene conditions in selected healthcarefacilities in South Sudan. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from Juba Teaching Hospital,Bentiu State Hospital, Nyal Primary Health Care Centre, and Ganyliel Primary Health Care Centre. The studypopulation included medical professionals, hospital staff, patients, and visitors. The results revealed a range ofindividual, environmental, and health facility factors contributing to poor hygiene. Individual behaviors such asinadequate hand washing, improper waste disposal, and lack of infection control awareness were identified assignificant contributors to poor hygiene. Environmental factors such as inadequate sanitation infrastructure,unreliable water supply, and improper waste management practices were also found to exacerbate hygienechallenges. Moreover, health facility factors including overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and limited wastedisposal resources further compounded the issue. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant correlationsbetween these factors and poor hygiene outcomes, underscoring the complexity of the problem.Recommendations for improving hygiene standards encompassed comprehensive training programs,infrastructure upgrades, robust infection prevention policies, community engagement initiatives, and qualityimprovement measures. By addressing these multifactorial challenges, healthcare facilities in South Sudan canenhance hygiene standards, mitigate disease transmission, and improve overall public health outcomes. Thisstudy contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on healthcare hygiene and underscores the urgentneed for tailored interventions in resource-constrained settings to ensure safe and hygienic healthcareenvironments.