Background of the study
Hemorrhagic fevers (HF) are a group of viral infections characterized by fever, bleeding, and organ dysfunction, and they pose significant public health concerns due to their potential for rapid transmission and high mortality rates (Harris et al., 2024). Some of the most well-known hemorrhagic fevers include Ebola, Lassa fever, and Dengue hemorrhagic fever, all of which are endemic in certain parts of Africa, including Nigeria. Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are at high risk of contracting these viruses due to the nature of their work in handling bodily fluids and caring for infected patients (Ajayi et al., 2023). Therefore, adherence to universal precautions, which include the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and safe disposal of contaminated materials, is crucial in preventing the transmission of these infections (Sullivan et al., 2023).
Kano State General Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in northern Nigeria, frequently handles cases of hemorrhagic fevers, particularly Lassa fever. Despite the known risks associated with these infections, there are concerns about whether nurses at the hospital consistently follow universal precautions to protect themselves and other patients from exposure. Studies have shown that non-adherence to universal precautions is a significant problem in healthcare settings, often due to lack of training, inadequate resources, or poor compliance (Olowookere et al., 2024). This study aims to evaluate nurses' adherence to universal precautions when managing hemorrhagic fever cases at Kano State General Hospital.
Statement of the problem
The risk of transmission of hemorrhagic fevers within healthcare settings is significant, particularly if proper infection control measures are not followed. Despite the well-documented guidelines on universal precautions, there is limited information on how effectively nurses at Kano State General Hospital adhere to these protocols in managing hemorrhagic fever cases. Failure to consistently adhere to these precautions could result in increased healthcare worker infections, further transmission of the virus to patients, and overall poor infection control. This study seeks to evaluate the adherence to universal precautions among nurses in the hospital’s infectious disease wards.
Objectives of the study
To assess the level of nurses' adherence to universal precautions in the management of hemorrhagic fever patients at Kano State General Hospital.
To identify the factors that influence nurses' adherence to universal precautions.
To evaluate the impact of adherence to universal precautions on the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in hemorrhagic fever patients.
Research questions
What is the level of adherence to universal precautions among nurses in managing hemorrhagic fever patients at Kano State General Hospital?
What factors influence nurses' adherence to universal precautions in the management of hemorrhagic fever patients?
How does adherence to universal precautions affect the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in hemorrhagic fever patients?
Research hypotheses
Nurses at Kano State General Hospital have a low level of adherence to universal precautions in managing hemorrhagic fever patients.
There is a significant relationship between adherence to universal precautions and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in hemorrhagic fever patients.
Factors such as inadequate training and resource shortages significantly influence nurses' adherence to universal precautions in managing hemorrhagic fever patients.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study will focus on nurses working in the infectious disease and emergency units of Kano State General Hospital. The scope will be limited to assessing adherence to universal precautions and identifying factors influencing adherence. One limitation is that the study is based on self-reported adherence, which may be subject to response bias. Additionally, the findings may not be generalizable to other hospitals in the region.
Definitions of terms
Hemorrhagic fevers: A group of viral infections characterized by fever, bleeding, and organ dysfunction, often transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.
Universal precautions: Infection control practices recommended to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including proper use of PPE, hand hygiene, and waste disposal.
Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow established infection control protocols in the management of hemorrhagic fever patients.
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