Background of the Study
Dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a significant public health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. It is characterized by sudden high fever, severe headache, retro-orbital pain, rash, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations or shock, which can result in death if not promptly managed (Olajide et al., 2023). The increasing prevalence of dengue outbreaks, due in part to climate change, urbanization, and inadequate vector control, poses a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Nurses, being at the forefront of patient care, play a crucial role in the early detection, management, and prevention of dengue fever. Their awareness of the disease and preparedness to respond effectively are critical in controlling outbreaks and minimizing morbidity and mortality.
At Oyo State General Hospital, there have been reports of sporadic dengue outbreaks in recent years, leading to an increase in the number of patients presenting with symptoms consistent with the infection. Nurses are pivotal in managing these cases, as they are involved in early symptom recognition, patient monitoring, fluid management, and patient education. However, limited research has been conducted on nurses' awareness of dengue fever and their response strategies during outbreaks in Nigeria, particularly in regional hospitals like Oyo State General Hospital. This study aims to assess the level of awareness among nurses at Oyo State General Hospital regarding dengue fever and evaluate how they respond to dengue outbreaks.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the increasing threat of dengue fever outbreaks in Nigeria, there is limited research on nurses' awareness and preparedness in managing these outbreaks. Nurses at Oyo State General Hospital, who frequently encounter patients with dengue symptoms, may lack the necessary knowledge or resources to effectively manage the condition. Additionally, the responses to dengue outbreaks may vary depending on nurses' training, availability of resources, and institutional protocols. This study will investigate the level of awareness of dengue fever among nurses and assess their response strategies during outbreaks at Oyo State General Hospital.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Oyo State General Hospital, particularly those involved in managing dengue fever cases. The study will assess their awareness of the disease, their response strategies, and the challenges they face. It will not include other healthcare professionals, such as doctors or laboratory technicians, although their roles in managing dengue fever are recognized.
Limitations of the study include the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias, and the cross-sectional nature of the study, which may not capture the long-term effectiveness of response strategies.
Definitions of Terms
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