Background of the Study
Hand hygiene is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods of preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are a significant concern in hospitals worldwide (Adebayo & Musa, 2023). In Nigeria, the prevalence of HAIs remains high, with the WHO reporting that inadequate hand hygiene contributes to the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings (WHO, 2023). Nurses play a crucial role in infection control by ensuring proper hand hygiene practices before and after patient care, handling medical equipment, and during interactions with contaminated surfaces (Usman & Akinwale, 2024).
Bauchi State, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, faces several healthcare challenges, including a shortage of healthcare resources, inadequate training programs, and a high burden of infectious diseases (Olalekan & Bello, 2024). This underscores the importance of improving hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers, especially nurses who are directly involved in patient care. Research indicates that the level of nurses' knowledge of hand hygiene protocols is strongly correlated with the incidence of infections in hospitals (Ibrahim & Yakubu, 2024).
Studies have shown that in low-resource settings such as Bauchi, knowledge gaps regarding proper hand hygiene techniques, as well as insufficient access to hand sanitizers and soap, contribute to poor adherence to infection control measures (Adebayo & Musa, 2024). Therefore, this study will assess how nurses' knowledge of hand hygiene practices influences infection rates at Bauchi State hospitals, exploring the link between education, knowledge, and practice.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the significant role of nurses in infection prevention, studies indicate that inadequate knowledge and inconsistent practice of hand hygiene contribute to the persistence of HAIs in Nigerian hospitals (Olalekan & Bello, 2023). In Bauchi State hospitals, infection rates remain alarmingly high, and there is a concern that insufficient training and knowledge of proper hand hygiene practices among nurses may exacerbate the problem.
Inadequate adherence to hand hygiene protocols in the healthcare environment not only increases the likelihood of cross-contamination but also hampers efforts to control the spread of infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and hospital-acquired sepsis (Okonkwo & Yusuf, 2024). Addressing the issue requires an understanding of how nurses' knowledge directly correlates with infection rates, as well as identifying factors that contribute to poor knowledge dissemination and practice.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the level of nurses' knowledge of hand hygiene practices in Bauchi State hospitals.
To assess the impact of nurses’ hand hygiene knowledge on infection rates in Bauchi State hospitals.
To recommend strategies to improve nurses’ knowledge and adherence to hand hygiene protocols in Bauchi State hospitals.
Research Questions
What is the level of nurses’ knowledge of hand hygiene practices in Bauchi State hospitals?
How does nurses’ knowledge of hand hygiene practices impact infection rates in Bauchi State hospitals?
What strategies can improve nurses' knowledge and practice of hand hygiene in Bauchi State hospitals?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant correlation between nurses’ knowledge of hand hygiene practices and infection rates in Bauchi State hospitals.
Nurses with higher knowledge of hand hygiene protocols are less likely to contribute to the spread of infections in hospitals.
Training programs and workshops significantly improve nurses' knowledge and adherence to hand hygiene practices in Bauchi State hospitals.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on evaluating nurses' knowledge of hand hygiene practices and its impact on infection rates in Bauchi State hospitals. The study may be limited by factors such as the availability of comprehensive infection data, variation in hand hygiene practices across different hospital units, and challenges in accessing participants due to potential biases in self-reported data.
Definitions of Terms
Hand Hygiene: The practice of cleaning hands using soap, water, or alcohol-based hand rubs to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses.
Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): Infections that are acquired by patients during their stay in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Infection Rates: The frequency or number of infections occurring within a specific period or population in a healthcare setting.
Background of the Study
Household debt is a critical indicator of financial stability and economic well-being, reflecting...
Abstract
This study will analyze the role of social media in the 2015 elections, highlighting the ways in which the key...
Background of the Study
Interest rate policy adjustments are critical in shaping loan affordability, which in turn influences borrowing b...
Background of the Study
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in academic activities has bec...
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Human activities have led to immense pollution of our environment especially the water bodies. This is as a result o...
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Presently, the rate of misbehaviour among pupils is a...
Background of the Study
Sentiment analysis, also known as opinion mining, is a key tool in brand monitoring. By analyzin...
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Marriage is a global institution that is recognized and revered in a variety of jurisdictions, e...
Background of the Study
Efficient management of hostel facilities is critical for ensuring the safety, comfort, and satisf...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Misinformation has become a significant th...