Pediatric infectious diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, particularly in developing regions such as Katsina State. These diseases, which include malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and other infections, can have severe consequences if not effectively managed. Nurses, particularly pediatric nurses, play a central role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases in children. Their responsibilities include administering medications, educating parents, ensuring infection control, and monitoring children for complications (Jones et al., 2024).
In Katsina State, the burden of pediatric infectious diseases remains high, and the capacity of healthcare providers to combat these diseases may be constrained by factors such as limited resources, low vaccination coverage, and inadequate public health infrastructure. This study seeks to appraise the role of nurses in managing pediatric infectious diseases in Katsina State, focusing on their involvement in care delivery and the challenges they face in preventing and treating these conditions.
Despite the availability of vaccines and treatment protocols for many pediatric infectious diseases, high rates of preventable infections persist in Katsina State. Nurses are key players in the healthcare team, yet there may be gaps in their knowledge, resources, and ability to effectively address the burden of pediatric infections. This study will assess the role of nurses in combating these diseases, identify the challenges they face, and suggest ways to improve their contributions to child health.
This study will focus on pediatric nurses working in healthcare facilities across Katsina State, including hospitals and primary healthcare centers. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and direct observations of nursing practices. Limitations include the possibility of selection bias and the limited generalizability of the findings across other regions.