An evaluation of nurses’ knowledge and adherence to infection control in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State healthcare facilities
- Project Research
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study: Infection control practices are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of pathogens, particularly in specialized units such as gastroenterology departments, where patients may have compromised immune systems (Olanrewaju et al., 2024). Gastroenterology units often handle patients with conditions like gastrointestinal infections, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, which require strict infection control measures to prevent nosocomial infections (Ibrahim et al., 2023). Nurses are at the forefront of infection prevention, engaging in activities such as hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, proper disposal of contaminated materials, and educating patients about infection control (Zubairu et al., 2024).
However, there is concern about the adherence to infection control protocols in many healthcare facilities in Nigeria, including those in Bauchi State, where resource constraints, lack of training, and poor infrastructure can compromise the implementation of infection control standards (Olofin et al., 2023). This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and adherence to infection control practices among nurses working in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State healthcare facilities, with the goal of identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem: In Bauchi State, gastroenterology units face significant challenges in adhering to infection control protocols. Nurses may have insufficient knowledge or inconsistent practices, which could contribute to the transmission of infections within healthcare settings. This study seeks to evaluate the current level of knowledge and adherence to infection control guidelines among nurses in Bauchi State’s gastroenterology units, in order to improve practices and reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
Objectives of the Study:
- To assess nurses’ knowledge of infection control practices in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State healthcare facilities.
- To evaluate nurses’ adherence to infection control protocols in these units.
- To identify factors influencing nurses' adherence to infection control practices in gastroenterology departments.
Research Questions:
- What is the level of knowledge of nurses regarding infection control practices in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State healthcare facilities?
- How well do nurses adhere to infection control protocols in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State?
- What factors influence nurses' adherence to infection control practices in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State?
Research Hypotheses:
- Nurses with higher levels of knowledge about infection control are more likely to adhere to infection control practices in gastroenterology units.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses’ adherence to infection control protocols and the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in gastroenterology units.
- Resource limitations and inadequate training are significant barriers to nurses’ adherence to infection control practices in Bauchi State healthcare facilities.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on nurses working in gastroenterology units in Bauchi State hospitals. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and observations. Limitations may include variability in infection control practices across different hospitals and potential biases in self-reported data from nurses.
Definitions of Terms:
- Infection control: The practice of preventing the spread of infections within healthcare facilities, including measures such as hand hygiene and aseptic techniques.
- Gastroenterology units: Specialized medical departments focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Nurses' adherence to infection control protocols: The extent to which nurses follow established guidelines and procedures to prevent infections in healthcare settings.
