Chemical disinfectant-handling practices and associated factors among nurses and medical attendants in selected healthcare facilities in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

Background Chemical disinfectants are widely used in healthcare facilities for infection prevention and control. However inappropriate disinfectant handling may increase occupational exposure to chemical-related hazards among healthcare workers. This study assessed factors associated with chemical disinfectant-handling practices among nurses and medical attendants in selected Tanzanian healthcare facilities. Methods We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 290 nurses and medical attendants in regional referral hospitals, district-level hospitals, and health centers in Tanzania from April and May 2025. Data were collected using both structured self-administered questionnaires and a structured observational checklist. Participants were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. A composite disinfectant-handling practice score (0–5) was developed from five recommended practices including, appropriate use of all essential personal protective equipment (PPE), proper labelling, proper storage, spill/leak management, and adherence to standard operating procedure (SOP). Bivariate analyses and multivariable linear regression were used to assess factors associated with the disinfectant-handling practice score. Results The mean disinfectant-handling practice score was 3.74 (SD = 0.99). Adherence was higher for proper labelling (99.66%), proper storage (93.10%) and spill/leak management (88.28%); but lower for SOP (50.34%), and the use of all essential PPE (42.76%). OHS training (β = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.28–0.64; p < 0.001) and adequate workplace ventilation (β = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.09–0.57; p = 0.007) were associated with higher practice scores. Compared with handling disinfectants for < 1 h/day, practice scores were lower among participants handling disinfectants for 2 - <4 h/day (β = − 0.49; 95% CI: − 0.80 to − 0.19; p = 0.002) and ≥ 4 h/day (β = − 0.45; 95% CI: − 0.81 to − 0.10; p = 0.012). The practice score varied significantly across work-sections, with lower scores in laundry (β = − 1.28; 95% CI: − 2.24 to − 0.32; p = 0.009) and mortuary units (β = − 1.19; 95% CI: − 1.71 to − 0.67; p < 0.001). Conclusions Disinfectant-handling practices among nurses and medical attendants were associated with OHS training, workplace ventilation, duration of disinfectant-handling and work-section. Healthcare facilities should strengthen OHS training, improve workplace ventilation, and review work organization to reduce prolonged disinfectant handling. Particular attention should be given to supporting units such as laundry and mortuary.