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4.3.3 Need for proper hygiene in the community
Most of the participants in focus group discussions talked more about the importance of
infection control practices for prevention of cross infections. However, one participant in one
of the focus groups stated that, most people in the community in which she served did not
practice domestic hygiene such as opening of windows and cleaning their surroundings. She
felt that infection control practices were important in such communities:
“I also feel that it is important because many people in our area are not taught about these
things so they don’t even open windows; their places are dirty they just don’t care about their
health so…it is very important… for them to change their unhygienic habits or behaviours.
(Focus group 4, organisation F)
4.4 Resources available for infection control practices in HBCOs
Participants were asked about resources that they had for practicing infection control. Based
on what was discussed in focus groups and interviews, materials, knowledge and skills were
the available resources for infection control practices.
4.4.1 Knowledge and skills
Most volunteer caregivers were trained when they were enrolled to work in HBCOs by the
department of health. Their training was usually a once off training which lasted for two to
three weeks. The training covered basic topics on HIV/AIDS, T.B prevention methods, basic
nursing care, direct observation treatment (DOT) and infection control practices. The training
equipped volunteer caregivers with various skills ranging from basic counselling, nutrition,
training for household caregivers and mentoring orphans. Furthermore, majority of the
volunteer caregivers mentioned that they gained skills of showing love and compassion to
their clients when practicing infection control:
“Being a volunteer is not something that you do because you see other people doing it. It is
something that emanates from within you, from love and your passion up until you reach a
stage where you can help others. They taught us that when you help a sick person you do not
act disgusted, you must be relaxed, smile and show love. Even when you touch their wound
you do not act disgusted, you smile.” (Focus group 4, organisation D)
Majority of volunteer caregivers were confident about the knowledge that they acquired from
the training. They indicated that they acquired knowledge and skills on infection control
practices such as how and when to wear gloves; masks; aprons; how to bath and change a
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