An Examination of Nurses' Preparedness and Response to Outbreaks of Lassa Fever at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi
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Background of the Study
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease endemic in West Africa, poses a significant public health threat, especially in Nigeria. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents or human-to-human transmission, making it a highly contagious and dangerous illness. Nigeria has experienced recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever, with healthcare workers, particularly nurses, being at high risk of exposure due to their direct interaction with patients (Adeniran et al., 2023). Nurses, being frontline health professionals, play a critical role in the containment and management of outbreaks by providing care, identifying symptoms, and implementing infection control measures. However, previous studies have shown that many nurses are underprepared for handling outbreaks due to inadequate training, limited protective equipment, and insufficient knowledge of effective response strategies (Kanu et al., 2023). Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, a major healthcare institution in Northern Nigeria, has been part of the national response to Lassa fever outbreaks, but the preparedness and response of its nursing staff remain under-researched. Investigating how well nurses are prepared to handle Lassa fever outbreaks and their effectiveness in responding to these crises is crucial for strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes during such outbreaks.
Statement of the Problem
The recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever in Nigeria have exposed significant gaps in the preparedness of healthcare workers, especially nurses, who are at the frontline in managing these outbreaks. Despite the critical role that nurses play in the care of Lassa fever patients, there is limited information about their preparedness and response to these outbreaks, particularly at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi. Challenges such as inadequate training, insufficient protective equipment, and poor infection control measures have hindered the ability of nurses to effectively respond to the crisis. Therefore, this study aims to assess the preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, and their response to Lassa fever outbreaks, with the goal of identifying strategies to enhance their readiness and improve patient care during future outbreaks.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, in responding to Lassa fever outbreaks.
- To examine the response strategies employed by nurses during Lassa fever outbreaks at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi.
- To identify the challenges faced by nurses in responding to Lassa fever outbreaks and propose recommendations for improving preparedness.
Research Questions
- What is the level of preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, in managing Lassa fever outbreaks?
- What response strategies do nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, employ during Lassa fever outbreaks?
- What challenges do nurses face in responding to Lassa fever outbreaks at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, have insufficient preparedness to effectively manage Lassa fever outbreaks.
- There is a significant relationship between the availability of protective equipment and the preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, in responding to Lassa fever outbreaks.
- Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, face significant challenges in responding to Lassa fever outbreaks, which affect the quality of care provided to patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, involved in the care of patients during Lassa fever outbreaks. The study will assess nurses' preparedness, response strategies, and the challenges they face in managing these outbreaks. One limitation of the study is the potential for recall bias when nurses report their preparedness and response during past outbreaks. Additionally, the findings may not be applicable to other healthcare institutions, as the study will be confined to a single hospital in Birnin Kebbi.
Definitions of Terms
- Lassa Fever: A viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa, primarily transmitted through rodent urine and feces, characterized by symptoms such as fever, bleeding, and organ failure (Adeniran et al., 2023).
- Preparedness: The level of readiness and planning in place for responding to public health crises, including having adequate resources, training, and strategies for infection control (Kanu et al., 2023).
- Nurses' Response: The actions and strategies employed by nurses in providing care and preventing the spread of disease during an outbreak of Lassa fever.
- Infection Control: Practices and procedures followed to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, including the use of protective equipment and proper sanitation measures (Kanu et al., 2023).
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