An investigation of nurses' preparedness for responding to outbreaks of meningitis at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by viral or bacterial infections. In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, meningitis outbreaks occur periodically, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates (Oluwadare et al., 2023). Nigeria has experienced several meningitis outbreaks in the past, with the most notable being the 1996 outbreak in which thousands of cases were reported in the northern regions (Aliyu et al., 2024). The impact of these outbreaks on public health is exacerbated by the rapid spread of the disease, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and the challenge of diagnosing and treating meningitis in the early stages (Abdullahi & Bello, 2025).
Nurses, as the frontline healthcare workers in hospitals, play a crucial role in the response to meningitis outbreaks. Their responsibilities include early detection of symptoms, isolation of affected patients, administering medications, and providing patient education (Akinmoladun et al., 2023). However, their preparedness for such outbreaks may be influenced by factors such as training, access to resources, and the availability of clear guidelines (Okafor et al., 2023). Previous studies have highlighted the importance of preparedness in improving the management of infectious disease outbreaks, including meningitis (Ojo et al., 2024). Despite the importance of preparedness, little is known about how nurses at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital specifically prepare for and respond to meningitis outbreaks.
This study aims to investigate the preparedness of nurses at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for responding to outbreaks of meningitis. By assessing their knowledge, preparedness levels, and response strategies, the study will identify strengths and weaknesses in the hospital's outbreak management protocols and contribute to improving nurses' preparedness in the event of a meningitis outbreak (Eze et al., 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Meningitis outbreaks remain a major public health concern in Nigeria, with recurring cases of the disease leading to significant mortality and morbidity. Nurses are at the forefront of the healthcare system and are pivotal in the management and control of meningitis outbreaks. However, the extent of nurses' preparedness for handling meningitis outbreaks at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital is unclear. Factors such as inadequate training, limited resources, and poor knowledge of meningitis management guidelines could hinder the effective response of nurses, compromising patient outcomes. Therefore, an investigation into the preparedness of nurses at this hospital is essential for identifying gaps and improving outbreak response strategies.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the level of knowledge among nurses regarding meningitis outbreaks and their management at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
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To evaluate the preparedness of nurses in responding to meningitis outbreaks at the hospital.
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To identify the challenges nurses face in preparing for and responding to meningitis outbreaks.
Research Questions
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What is the level of knowledge among nurses regarding the symptoms and management of meningitis outbreaks?
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How prepared are nurses at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital to respond to meningitis outbreaks?
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What challenges do nurses face in preparing for and responding to meningitis outbreaks?
Research Hypotheses
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There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of meningitis and their preparedness to respond to outbreaks.
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Nurses with more years of experience are better prepared to respond to meningitis outbreaks than those with less experience.
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Nurses who receive training on outbreak management are better prepared to handle meningitis outbreaks than those who do not.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, examining their preparedness for responding to meningitis outbreaks. It will assess their knowledge, preparedness levels, and challenges in managing outbreaks. Limitations include the potential for response bias, as nurses may overstate their preparedness. The study is geographically limited to Maiduguri, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
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Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
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Outbreak response: The actions taken by healthcare workers to control and manage the spread of an infectious disease during an outbreak.
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Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for the care of patients, including responding to outbreaks and administering treatments.
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