Background of the Study
Acute gastroenteritis is a common gastrointestinal infection characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. It is caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections and is often transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact (Sani et al., 2023). In tropical regions like Nigeria, acute gastroenteritis remains a significant cause of morbidity, particularly during seasonal outbreaks. These outbreaks can place considerable strain on healthcare systems, especially in public health settings like Jigawa State General Hospital.
Nurses are essential in managing patients with acute gastroenteritis, as they provide frontline care, monitor hydration status, administer treatments, and educate patients about prevention. However, outbreaks of gastroenteritis can overwhelm hospital resources and staff, making it essential for nurses to be well-prepared and knowledgeable in handling such situations. Despite this, there is limited research on the preparedness of nurses to respond to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in Nigerian hospitals. This study seeks to evaluate the level of knowledge and response of nurses to such outbreaks at Jigawa State General Hospital, aiming to identify gaps in their preparedness and recommend improvements.
Statement of the Problem
Acute gastroenteritis outbreaks are a recurring public health challenge in Nigeria, and the ability of healthcare providers, particularly nurses, to respond effectively is critical to minimizing the impact. At Jigawa State General Hospital, it is unclear whether nurses possess adequate knowledge of the disease, its transmission, and management strategies during outbreaks. Delays in diagnosis, poor management of dehydration, and insufficient patient education could contribute to the spread of the disease and worsen patient outcomes. This study aims to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding acute gastroenteritis and their response to outbreaks, with the goal of improving their preparedness for future emergencies.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of knowledge of acute gastroenteritis among nurses at Jigawa State General Hospital.
To evaluate the response of nurses during acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.
To identify challenges faced by nurses in responding to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks at Jigawa State General Hospital.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge of acute gastroenteritis among nurses at Jigawa State General Hospital?
How do nurses respond during acute gastroenteritis outbreaks at Jigawa State General Hospital?
What challenges do nurses face in responding to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks at Jigawa State General Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses with higher knowledge of acute gastroenteritis are more likely to respond effectively during outbreaks.
There is a significant relationship between the availability of resources and the effectiveness of nurses' response to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Nurses at Jigawa State General Hospital face significant barriers in responding to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working at Jigawa State General Hospital who are involved in the care of patients during acute gastroenteritis outbreaks. It will evaluate their knowledge, response, and the challenges they encounter. The study is limited to this hospital, and findings may not be generalizable to other regions or healthcare facilities. A limitation of the study is the potential for recall bias, as nurses may have difficulty accurately recalling their actions during previous outbreaks.
Definitions of Terms
Acute Gastroenteritis: An infection of the stomach and intestines characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Nurses' Knowledge: The understanding that nurses have regarding the causes, symptoms, transmission, and management of acute gastroenteritis.
Response to Outbreaks: The actions taken by nurses during an acute gastroenteritis outbreak, including patient care, monitoring, and prevention strategies.
Dehydration: A condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, often due to vomiting and diarrhea during gastroenteritis.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING IN GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING ENGAGEMENTS
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the role and impact of...
Background of the Study
Regulatory compliance is integral to the operational efficiency of banks, ensuring that institutio...
Background of the Study
Digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful pedagogical tool in literature and creative writing...
Background Information
Housing has a central importance to quality of life with considerable economic,...
THE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING FOR PUBLIC DEBT AND FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY
Abstract
This research examines the effect of accounting for...
Background of the Study
The rapid advancement in high-throughput sequencing technologies has led to an explosion of genomic...
Abstract
This research study was designed to identify various factors militating against the effectiveness of teachers i...
Background of the Study
Voter education is a key aspect of electoral participation, playing a critical role in empowering c...
Background of the Study
Academic fraud, which includes the use of false credentials, plagiarism, and misrepresentation of academic records,...
Abstract
World over, political aspirants adopt the use of diverse campaign strategies such as political...