Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Implementation Status and implications on Surgical Site Infections: the case of three Hospitals in the Kwahu Municipality-Ghana

Background The provision of WASH services in healthcare facilities (HCFs) is fundamental for the provision of quality care. Therefore, this study assessed WASH status using standard WHO indicators in health facilities and its impacts on patients’ health in three HCFs. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 healthcare practitioners working in the three HCFs, in addition to an observational checklist. Availability of WASH services was assessed using a validated WASH Conditions (WASHCon) tool comprising structured questionnaires and a records review tool. Results The study revealed that most of the healthcare workers (55%) had moderate knowledge of WASH and all HCFs (100%) had access to pipe-borne water supplied from outside the healthcare facility. However, about 63.4% of respondents indicated that there was an erratic supply when the main water source was unavailable. Furthermore, about 90% of the healthcare practitioners complied with most of the hygiene measures instituted within the facilities. Finally, the microbiology laboratory register was used to review the records of surgery patients with post-operative infections at their surgical sites whilst in the health facility. A total of 63 surgical site infections were recorded, with Staphylococcus aureus emerging as the commonest pathogen. Conclusion Healthcare practitioners in the three HCFs possess a moderate level of knowledge regarding WASH practices. Most healthcare facilities (HCFs) in this municipality have sufficient WASH resources, even though they frequently experience interruptions in the water supply. Healthcare practitioners demonstrate a commendable level of adherence to hygiene and sanitation protocols. However, the research findings highlight a concerning issue: the negative impact of WASH on patient health, evidenced by a notably high occurrence of nosocomial infections, particularly surgical site infections.