Background of the study
Occupational dermatitis, a skin condition caused by exposure to harmful substances in the workplace, is a significant health issue among healthcare workers, including nurses. The condition is characterized by redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as exposure to harsh chemicals, frequent hand washing, and use of gloves and other protective gear (Black et al., 2023). In healthcare settings, nurses are particularly vulnerable to occupational dermatitis due to their constant exposure to cleaning agents, antiseptics, and other irritants. Preventing and managing occupational dermatitis is crucial to maintaining the health and well-being of healthcare workers, yet studies indicate that many nurses lack sufficient knowledge about the condition and the prevention strategies available (Ogunjimi et al., 2024).
The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) serves as a major healthcare provider, and nurses here are regularly exposed to the risk of occupational dermatitis due to their work in clinical settings. However, the awareness and preventive practices related to occupational dermatitis among nurses at UATH are not well-documented. There is a need for an in-depth examination of the knowledge and prevention strategies employed by nurses to mitigate the risk of developing occupational dermatitis. This study aims to explore the level of knowledge nurses have about occupational dermatitis and assess the prevention strategies they employ at UATH.
Statement of the problem
Despite the prevalence of occupational dermatitis among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, many nurses at UATH may not be aware of the prevention strategies or may not implement them effectively. This lack of awareness can result in the development of dermatitis, leading to increased absenteeism, discomfort, and reduced productivity among healthcare staff. Understanding the knowledge gaps and prevention practices among nurses at UATH is essential for developing effective policies and training programs to reduce the risk of occupational dermatitis.
Objectives of the study
To assess nurses’ knowledge of occupational dermatitis at UATH.
To evaluate the prevention strategies used by nurses to reduce the risk of occupational dermatitis at UATH.
To identify the challenges nurses face in preventing occupational dermatitis at UATH.
Research questions
What is the level of knowledge of occupational dermatitis among nurses at UATH?
What prevention strategies do nurses at UATH use to reduce the risk of occupational dermatitis?
What challenges do nurses at UATH face in preventing occupational dermatitis?
Research hypotheses
Nurses at UATH have insufficient knowledge about occupational dermatitis and its prevention.
There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of occupational dermatitis and their use of prevention strategies.
Nurses at UATH face significant challenges in preventing occupational dermatitis due to inadequate resources and training.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study will focus on nurses working at UATH, particularly those involved in direct patient care, who are at risk of occupational dermatitis. The scope is limited to assessing their knowledge and prevention strategies regarding the condition. A limitation of the study is that it relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias, and the results may not be generalizable to other hospitals in the region.
Definitions of terms
Occupational dermatitis: A skin condition caused by exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace, leading to inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Prevention strategies: The actions and practices used by nurses to avoid or minimize exposure to irritants that could lead to occupational dermatitis.
Knowledge: The understanding and awareness of the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for occupational dermatitis.
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