Background of the Study
Heart failure (HF) is a significant global health concern, affecting over 6.5 million adults in the United States alone, with projections indicating an increase to over 8 million by 2030 (Heidenreich et al., 2022). In Nigeria, the burden of HF is substantial, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection of HF symptoms is crucial for timely intervention, improved patient outcomes, and reduced hospital readmissions.
Nurses play a pivotal role in the early identification of HF symptoms due to their close and continuous patient interactions. Their ability to recognize subtle changes in a patient's condition can lead to prompt management and prevent disease progression. However, the effectiveness of this role is heavily dependent on the nurses' knowledge and understanding of HF symptoms. A study by Smith and Brown (2023) emphasized that comprehensive nursing education on HF management significantly enhances patient care outcomes.
Despite the critical importance of nurses' knowledge in early HF detection, there is limited research focusing on this aspect within the Nigerian healthcare context, particularly in tertiary institutions like the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. Understanding the current level of knowledge among nurses in this setting is essential for developing targeted educational interventions to improve HF management.
Statement of the Problem
Heart failure remains a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in Nigeria. The early detection of HF symptoms by nurses is vital for initiating timely treatment and improving patient outcomes. However, anecdotal evidence and preliminary observations suggest that there may be gaps in nurses' knowledge regarding HF symptomatology, leading to delayed recognition and management.
These knowledge gaps can result in increased patient morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. A systematic review by Wilson et al. (2023) highlighted that inadequate nursing knowledge contributes to suboptimal HF patient outcomes. Therefore, assessing and addressing these knowledge deficiencies is imperative to enhance the quality of care provided to HF patients.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on registered nurses working in various departments of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. It aims to assess their knowledge concerning the early detection of heart failure symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions. Limitations may include self-reported data, which could be subject to bias, and the study's confinement to a single institution, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
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