Background of the Study
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health challenge that threatens to undo decades of progress in the treatment of infectious diseases. In Nigeria, AMR is particularly concerning, with reports indicating an increasing incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, including tuberculosis, HIV, and hospital-acquired infections (El-Sayed et al., 2023). Nurses, as frontline healthcare workers, play a pivotal role in the management and prevention of AMR. Their awareness of resistance patterns, along with their ability to implement infection control measures, directly impacts the effectiveness of treatment regimens and patient outcomes. However, the level of awareness and the response of nurses to emerging AMR challenges in many Nigerian hospitals, including Adamawa State Specialist Hospital, remains underexplored.
At Adamawa State Specialist Hospital, a key healthcare provider in northeastern Nigeria, nurses encounter a diverse patient population, some of whom are vulnerable to antimicrobial-resistant infections due to underlying health conditions or prolonged hospital stays. Emerging AMR infections, including those resistant to commonly used antibiotics, present a significant challenge to patient management and increase the risk of adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospitalizations and increased mortality rates (Nguyen et al., 2024). In the context of limited resources, inadequate access to updated training, and frequent shortages of essential medicines, nurses may face challenges in effectively combating AMR.
Recent studies emphasize the importance of a multifaceted approach to AMR prevention, including improved stewardship of antibiotics, enhanced infection control practices, and the regular updating of healthcare professionals' knowledge regarding resistant pathogens (Thomson & Turner, 2024). Understanding how nurses at Adamawa State Specialist Hospital perceive and respond to emerging AMR threats is essential for developing targeted interventions to combat this growing problem and improve patient care outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the rising incidence of antimicrobial-resistant infections in Nigeria, there is limited research on the awareness and response of nurses in regional healthcare facilities like Adamawa State Specialist Hospital. Nurses play a key role in infection prevention and control, yet studies suggest that they may lack sufficient knowledge about emerging AMR infections or struggle to implement effective infection control measures in resource-constrained settings (Green & Patel, 2023). This gap in knowledge and response could exacerbate the spread of resistant infections and negatively impact patient health outcomes. Given the growing concern over AMR, it is critical to assess the level of awareness and preparedness of nurses at Adamawa State Specialist Hospital in addressing these emerging threats.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the awareness of nurses at Adamawa State Specialist Hospital regarding emerging antimicrobial-resistant infections.
To evaluate the response of nurses to antimicrobial-resistant infections at the hospital.
To identify factors influencing the awareness and response of nurses to AMR infections at the hospital.
Research Questions
What is the level of awareness of nurses at Adamawa State Specialist Hospital regarding antimicrobial-resistant infections?
How do nurses respond to emerging antimicrobial-resistant infections at the hospital?
What factors influence the awareness and response of nurses to antimicrobial-resistant infections at Adamawa State Specialist Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses with specialized training in infection control are more aware of emerging antimicrobial-resistant infections.
The response of nurses to AMR infections is influenced by the availability of infection control resources and protocols.
Nurses’ awareness and response to AMR infections are positively correlated with their years of clinical experience.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses employed at Adamawa State Specialist Hospital, particularly those involved in patient care in high-risk areas such as intensive care units and infectious disease wards. Limitations of the study may include potential biases in self-reported data, variability in the availability of infection control resources, and a lack of up-to-date training for nurses. The findings of the study may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings in Nigeria or globally.
Definitions of Terms
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of drugs that once killed or inhibited them.
Infection Control: Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings, including isolation precautions and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
Emerging Infections: Newly identified or rapidly increasing infectious diseases, often characterized by resistance to standard treatment regimens.
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