Healthcare workers’ level of adherence to infection prevention and control and its impact on puerperal and neonatal sepsis among delivering women and neonates in Central Tanzania: a protocol for a prospective cohort study

Introduction Delivering women and neonates are at a great risk of acquiring infections due to a lack of adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC), a low level of immunity and extended exposure to care procedures that can lead to infections. This prospective cohort study aims to assess the level of adherence to IPC among healthcare workers and its impact on puerperal and neonatal sepsis in the Dodoma region.Methods and analysis The level of adherence to IPC is examined cross-sectionally among healthcare workers (HCWs) in contact with delivering women and their neonates. A prospective cohort approach is used to assess the level of exposure of 294 delivering women and their neonates to poor hygienic practices of HCWs through an observation checklist. Outcomes, including the incidence of puerperal and neonatal sepsis, are evaluated clinically 2 days later before discharge. Laboratory culture and sensitivity confirmatory tests of blood samples are done on positive cases. Data analysis for level of adherence to IPC practices, incidence of puerperal and neonatal sepsis, and relative risk among the exposed women and neonates will be performed.Ethics and dissemination The University of Dodoma Research Ethics Committee approved this study (ref no. MA.84/261/‘A’/25). Findings of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences to the participating hospitals, the University of Dodoma and the Tanzanian Ministry of Health for informing practice and policy

Secondary school Student's perspectives about nursing career and their motivations to become future nurses in Singida municipal: A qualitative study

Abstract Aim To explore secondary school students’ perspectives about nursing careers and their motivations to become future nurses. Design Qualitative descriptive design. Methods A qualitative study was conducted among secondary school students in Central Tanzania. Secondary school students who study science subjects and are eligible for nursing studies were selected from two schools. Two focus‐group discussions, comprising seven and eight students per group, one in each school, were conducted. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results Two themes with seven sub‐themes emerged representing students’ perspectives about nursing and the factors that motivate them to choose nursing as their future career. These themes are as follows: (1) Perspectives about a nurse and nursing, with five sub‐themes: (i) nurses’ roles; (ii) qualities of nurses; (iii) workplace for nurses; (iv) nature of the job; and (v) position of a nurse or nursing; and (2) Motivations to become future nurses, with two sub‐themes: (i) extrinsic factors, and (ii) intrinsic factors