Background of the Study
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, leading to a significant public health burden in tropical and subtropical regions (Nwachukwu et al., 2023). Nigeria, along with other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has witnessed increasing outbreaks of dengue fever, which pose a challenge to healthcare systems due to the acute nature of the illness and the rapid transmission among susceptible populations (Ogunyemi & Bello, 2024). Symptoms of dengue fever range from mild fever and pain to severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal if not appropriately managed (Adedayo et al., 2023). Early detection, symptomatic management, and vector control are critical to mitigating the impact of the disease.
Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in the management of dengue fever outbreaks, including identifying cases, monitoring patients' conditions, and providing supportive care (Salami et al., 2024). Their awareness of the disease, its symptoms, and the management protocols directly influences the effectiveness of the response to outbreaks. Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, located in a region affected by mosquito-borne diseases, represents a critical site to investigate nurses' awareness and preparedness for managing dengue fever. Despite the increasing prevalence of dengue fever, research on the awareness and management practices of nurses in Nigerian hospitals, particularly in relation to dengue fever, is sparse.
This study aims to assess the awareness and management practices of nurses during dengue fever outbreaks at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and to identify barriers to effective management.
Statement of the Problem
Dengue fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with the country experiencing periodic outbreaks. Although nurses are integral to the management of such outbreaks, there is limited research on their level of awareness and their ability to effectively manage dengue fever cases in Nigerian hospitals, particularly at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Inadequate awareness, improper management practices, and delays in diagnosis can lead to worsened patient outcomes. Therefore, assessing nurses' awareness and management practices during dengue fever outbreaks is essential to improving patient care and outbreak control.
Objectives of the Study
To assess nurses' awareness of dengue fever symptoms, transmission, and management protocols at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
To evaluate the management practices employed by nurses during dengue fever outbreaks at the hospital.
To identify challenges that nurses face in managing dengue fever outbreaks effectively.
Research Questions
What is the level of awareness of nurses regarding dengue fever symptoms, transmission, and management protocols at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe?
How do nurses manage cases of dengue fever during outbreaks at the hospital?
What challenges do nurses face in managing dengue fever outbreaks at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant relationship between nurses' awareness of dengue fever management protocols and their ability to effectively manage outbreaks.
Nurses with more experience in managing infectious diseases are more likely to adhere to dengue fever management protocols.
Limited resources significantly affect nurses' ability to effectively manage dengue fever outbreaks.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, particularly those involved in the management of dengue fever cases during outbreaks. Limitations of the study include potential recall bias among participants regarding past outbreaks, and the results may not be generalizable to other regions of Nigeria.
Definitions of Terms
Dengue fever: A viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, causing high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, rash, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic fever.
Awareness: The extent to which nurses know and understand dengue fever symptoms, transmission, and management protocols.
Management practices: The specific actions taken by nurses to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with dengue fever.
Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for patient care, particularly in managing infectious diseases like dengue fever.
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