An Evaluation of Nurses' Role in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B at Abia State University Teaching Hospital
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant public health concern, especially in low-resource settings where preventive measures are underutilized. Hepatitis B is a major cause of chronic liver disease and one of the most common viral infections globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 250 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B (World Health Organization, 2023). The transmission of HBV from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding accounts for a large proportion of chronic HBV cases. Without appropriate intervention, up to 90% of infants born to mothers with chronic HBV may develop chronic infection, which predisposes them to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer (Chen et al., 2023).
Nurses play a pivotal role in preventing MTCT of hepatitis B, as they are involved in antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, and health education. Strategies to prevent MTCT of HBV include antenatal screening, the administration of hepatitis B vaccination to infants at birth, and the use of antiviral therapy for pregnant women with high viral loads (Kim et al., 2024). However, the effectiveness of these preventive measures is dependent on the knowledge, adherence to guidelines, and the training of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who are often the frontline caregivers. At Abia State University Teaching Hospital, a prominent healthcare facility in southeastern Nigeria, the incidence of HBV remains high, but the specific role of nurses in preventing MTCT has not been adequately studied.
Given the significance of preventing MTCT of HBV for reducing the overall burden of hepatitis B, it is critical to evaluate how well nurses at Abia State University Teaching Hospital are implementing preventive measures. This study aims to assess the role of nurses in preventing HBV transmission from mother to child, identifying the knowledge gaps, barriers to effective implementation, and areas for improvement in the hospital's practices.
Statement of the Problem
The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B is a significant challenge in Nigeria, where the prevalence of HBV is high. Although the prevention of MTCT is a well-established practice, there are concerns about the level of knowledge and adherence to guidelines among healthcare workers, particularly nurses. At Abia State University Teaching Hospital, where a high number of pregnant women are treated annually, there is insufficient evidence on whether nurses are adequately trained or follow proper guidelines to prevent MTCT of HBV. If nurses are not properly equipped to manage pregnant women with HBV, the risk of transmission to infants remains high, which can lead to lifelong health complications for the child. This study aims to evaluate the role of nurses in preventing the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child at the hospital.
Objectives of the Study
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To evaluate the knowledge of nurses at Abia State University Teaching Hospital regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B.
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To assess the adherence of nurses to established guidelines for preventing HBV transmission during pregnancy and childbirth.
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To identify barriers that affect nurses' ability to implement HBV transmission prevention strategies.
Research Questions
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What is the level of knowledge of nurses at Abia State University Teaching Hospital regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B?
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How well do nurses adhere to the guidelines for preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B at Abia State University Teaching Hospital?
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What factors hinder nurses' ability to effectively implement HBV prevention measures?
Research Hypotheses
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Nurses with higher levels of education and training have greater knowledge of hepatitis B prevention strategies.
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The adherence of nurses to HBV prevention guidelines is influenced by the availability of resources and training opportunities.
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Nurses who have frequent exposure to pregnant women with HBV are more likely to follow prevention protocols.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, particularly those involved in antenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal care. Limitations include potential biases from self-reported data, limited access to up-to-date training resources, and the variability in the hospital's capacity to provide necessary preventive interventions. The study’s findings may not be generalized to other hospitals with different resources or training programs.
Definitions of Terms
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Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT): The transmission of a disease or infection from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
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Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): A viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases.
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Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow recommended clinical guidelines and protocols in preventing HBV transmission.
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