Background of the Study
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in healthcare settings for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases and ensuring the safety of both healthcare workers and patients (Adekunle & Olatunde, 2023). Nurses, who are at the forefront of patient care, are particularly vulnerable to occupational hazards, including exposure to bloodborne pathogens, respiratory infections, and hazardous chemicals (Bello & Ibrahim, 2024). Proper knowledge and adherence to PPE usage are critical in mitigating these risks and ensuring a safe healthcare environment.
Despite global recommendations for PPE compliance, reports indicate that healthcare workers, including nurses, often fail to use protective equipment correctly due to various factors such as lack of training, inadequate supply, and workplace culture (Okafor & Yakubu, 2024). In Nigeria, especially in Kano State, the adherence level among nurses remains a concern, as inadequate PPE use has been linked to increased hospital-acquired infections and occupational injuries (Oluwaseun & Musa, 2023).
This study aims to investigate nurses’ knowledge and adherence to PPE usage in Kano State hospitals. By examining the factors influencing compliance, the study seeks to provide insights into improving PPE utilization and ensuring better protection for healthcare workers.
Statement of the Problem
Hospital-acquired infections and occupational hazards among nurses are prevalent in Kano State due to inconsistent adherence to PPE protocols (Ibrahim & Okonkwo, 2024). Although PPE is widely recognized as a crucial safety measure, many nurses either lack adequate knowledge of its proper usage or fail to adhere to standard guidelines due to various constraints, including supply shortages and institutional barriers (Usman & Akinwale, 2023).
Previous studies have shown that inadequate PPE compliance leads to increased infection rates among healthcare workers, affecting both staff productivity and patient safety (Olawale & Danjuma, 2023). However, there is limited empirical data on nurses’ knowledge and adherence to PPE use in Kano State hospitals. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating nurses’ understanding of PPE protocols, assessing compliance levels, and identifying barriers to proper PPE utilization.
Objectives of the Study
To assess nurses’ knowledge of personal protective equipment usage in Kano State hospitals.
To evaluate the level of adherence to PPE guidelines among nurses in healthcare settings.
To identify challenges hindering proper PPE compliance and propose strategies for improvement.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge among nurses regarding PPE usage in Kano State hospitals?
To what extent do nurses adhere to PPE guidelines in hospital settings?
What are the major challenges preventing nurses from consistently using PPE, and how can these be addressed?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses in Kano State hospitals have adequate knowledge of PPE usage.
Nurses’ adherence to PPE guidelines significantly impacts hospital-acquired infection rates.
Limited availability of PPE and institutional barriers hinder compliance among nurses.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in selected hospitals in Kano State, evaluating their knowledge and adherence to PPE guidelines. Limitations may include self-reported biases, differences in PPE availability across hospitals, and reluctance of nurses to disclose non-compliance behaviors.
Definitions of Terms
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specialized clothing or equipment worn by healthcare workers to protect against infectious diseases and workplace hazards.
Adherence: The extent to which nurses comply with established PPE usage protocols in hospital settings.
Hospital-Acquired Infections: Infections that patients and healthcare workers contract within a hospital environment due to poor hygiene or inadequate protective measures.
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