Predictors of Growth of Escherichia Coli on Lab Coats as Part of Hospital-Acquired Infection Transmission Through Healthcare Personnel Attire

Abstract

Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) attire could be potential vehicles for microbial transmission. This study aimed to explore the extent of bacterial contamination and hygiene and handling practices of healthcare personnel attire that could influence bacterial growth. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study was used in this study. Convenience sampling of the 188 healthcare personnel was recruited from a main holistic hospital in the northern part of Jordan. Three swab samples were collected from three different parts of lab coats used by each participant. ANOVA test and the generalized mixed linear model were used for the categorical variables of three or more levels and identify the predictors of positive growth of Escherichia Coli on healthcare personnel attire. Results: Enterococcus faecalis was the most common species of bacteria found on lab coat. Despite of no statistically significant differences were found, the HCP attire coming from the critical care units and the emergency department were highlighted with slightly higher contamination compared to other departments. Escherichia coli ‘s near-significant growth differences (p=0.057) were found based on different locations on lab coats compared to other types of bacteria. Factors associated with significant growth of Escherichia coli on healthcare personnel attire were age ≥36 years, a high income, bachelor marital status, working as a physician, lab coat use preferred over scrubs, and borrowing of lab coats. Conclusion: Healthcare personnel should be cautious about the method of use and storage of lab coats they wear.