Background of the Study
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious diseases in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. In Nigeria, TB is a significant health burden, particularly among high-risk populations, including individuals living with HIV/AIDS, prisoners, migrants, and those in densely populated urban settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Nigeria as one of the 30 high-burden countries for TB, underscoring the urgency of improving TB control strategies (Iyun et al., 2023). Nurses, as frontline healthcare workers, play a crucial role in diagnosing, managing, and preventing the spread of TB. Their knowledge and adherence to appropriate TB management protocols can significantly influence the effectiveness of TB control programs.
Despite the central role that nurses play in TB management, studies have shown that there are gaps in their knowledge regarding the latest TB diagnostic methods, treatment regimens, and infection control measures (Olum et al., 2023). These gaps may contribute to suboptimal management of TB cases and, ultimately, hinder the efforts to control its spread. It is essential to assess nurses' knowledge of TB, particularly in high-risk populations, as these individuals are at increased risk of both contracting and spreading the disease. Nurses need up-to-date knowledge and the skills to address the unique challenges presented by these high-risk groups, ensuring that interventions are both appropriate and effective.
The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) serves as a major healthcare provider in Kwara State and is pivotal in the management of TB cases. This study seeks to explore the level of knowledge that nurses at UITH possess regarding TB in high-risk populations and evaluate the strategies they employ to manage these cases.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of nurses in managing TB in high-risk populations, there is limited research on their specific knowledge and practices at UITH. Previous studies have suggested that inadequate knowledge, coupled with insufficient training, may lead to improper management of TB, especially in vulnerable groups (Adebayo et al., 2024). This issue is particularly concerning in light of the global burden of TB and the increasing number of multidrug-resistant cases. Understanding the knowledge gaps and challenges faced by nurses at UITH is vital in addressing this problem and improving TB control outcomes in the region. There is a need to assess not only the level of nurses' knowledge but also the specific management strategies they utilize for high-risk populations to ensure they align with national and international TB management guidelines.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of nurses' knowledge on tuberculosis management in high-risk populations at UITH.
To evaluate the management strategies employed by nurses in the treatment of TB in high-risk populations.
To determine the factors influencing nurses' ability to effectively manage TB cases in high-risk populations.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge of nurses regarding TB management in high-risk populations at UITH?
What management strategies do nurses at UITH employ when treating TB in high-risk populations?
What factors affect nurses' ability to effectively manage TB cases in high-risk populations at UITH?
Research Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of TB management and their ability to manage TB cases in high-risk populations at UITH.
Nurses who have received more training on TB management are more likely to adopt effective strategies in treating TB in high-risk populations at UITH.
Environmental factors (e.g., hospital resources, staffing levels) do not significantly affect nurses' ability to manage TB in high-risk populations at UITH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, particularly those involved in TB management. The scope will include evaluating their knowledge, management strategies, and the factors influencing their performance in treating TB patients from high-risk groups. Limitations of the study include potential biases in self-reported data and the restricted generalizability of the findings to other hospitals in Nigeria.
Definitions of Terms
Tuberculosis (TB): A contagious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.
High-Risk Populations: Groups more likely to contract TB due to factors such as HIV/AIDS, close contact with infected individuals, overcrowded living conditions, and compromised immune systems.
Nurses' Knowledge: The extent to which nurses are aware of current guidelines and practices in TB management, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
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