Background of the Study
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are a significant public health issue worldwide. These infections occur in patients during the course of treatment for other conditions and are often linked to the healthcare setting itself. HAIs can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and, in some cases, death (Juma et al., 2023). In Kano State, as in many parts of Nigeria, hospitals and healthcare facilities are often under-resourced, contributing to the spread of infections. Nurses, as primary caregivers in hospitals, play a central role in the prevention of HAIs through practices such as infection control measures, hand hygiene, and patient education.
Despite the importance of infection prevention, there are challenges in effectively managing these risks. Issues such as understaffing, lack of proper equipment, and inadequate training contribute to the persistence of HAIs in Nigerian hospitals. In Kano State, a combination of high patient volume and limited access to necessary resources complicates the prevention of HAIs. This study seeks to investigate the role of nurses in preventing hospital-acquired infections, examining the strategies they employ, challenges they face, and the overall effectiveness of these interventions.
Statement of the Problem
Hospital-acquired infections are a major public health concern in Kano State, and nurses are directly involved in minimizing the risk of these infections. However, there is limited research on the specific role of nurses in preventing HAIs within the state’s healthcare facilities. The study seeks to investigate the strategies nurses use to prevent these infections and identify barriers to effective infection control practices.
Objectives of the Study
1. To explore the role of nurses in preventing hospital-acquired infections in Kano State.
2. To assess the effectiveness of infection control measures implemented by nurses in Kano State hospitals.
3. To identify the challenges nurses face in preventing hospital-acquired infections in Kano State.
Research Questions
1. What role do nurses play in preventing hospital-acquired infections in Kano State?
2. How effective are the infection control practices implemented by nurses in Kano State hospitals?
3. What challenges do nurses face in preventing hospital-acquired infections in Kano State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in Kano State play a significant role in preventing hospital-acquired infections.
2. Infection control measures implemented by nurses in Kano State hospitals are effective in reducing the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections.
3. Barriers such as inadequate resources and training hinder the ability of nurses to effectively prevent hospital-acquired infections in Kano State.
Definitions of Terms
• Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): Infections acquired by patients during their stay in a healthcare facility, not present at the time of admission.
• Infection Control Measures: Practices aimed at preventing the transmission of infections in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleanliness.
Background of the Study
Lifestyle modification is a cornerstone in the management of hypertension, espe...
Background Of The Study
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding an infant mother's milk by direct n...
ABSTRACT
This research wok, treated monetary and fiscal policies as efficient tools for economic stability. This researc...
Background of the Study
Mobile banking platforms have revolutionized customer interactions with financial services by providing convenien...
Over the years, there has been a general decline...
Abstract: THE IMPACT OF COST ALLOCATION METHODS FOR SERVICE-ORIENTED BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA
This study explores the impact of various cost...
Background of the Study
Digital transformation initiatives are reshaping the operational landscape of the banking sector,...
Abstract: This study examines the role of micro-credentials in recognizing vocational skill...
Background of the Study
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, inclu...
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION