Background of the Study
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of infectious diseases caused by several viruses, including Ebola, Lassa fever, and Marburg virus. These diseases are characterized by sudden onset of fever, bleeding, and organ dysfunction, and they pose a significant risk to public health in regions with poor healthcare infrastructure. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, viral hemorrhagic fevers are major public health concerns, with periodic outbreaks causing significant morbidity and mortality. The Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, serves as one of the key healthcare providers in the management of VHFs. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, are crucial in the management and prevention of these diseases.
Effective management of VHFs requires prompt identification, isolation, and implementation of specific infection control protocols. Nurses need to be well-informed about the signs, symptoms, and management protocols for VHFs, as their ability to respond rapidly can be the difference between life and death. However, studies have indicated that there is often a gap in healthcare providers’ knowledge and preparedness for managing VHFs, partly due to inadequate training, resource constraints, and insufficient awareness of standard management guidelines. This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and management practices of nurses regarding viral hemorrhagic fevers at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
Statement of the Problem
Viral hemorrhagic fevers present a significant challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. The ability of nurses to promptly identify and manage VHFs is critical in preventing the spread of these diseases and reducing patient mortality. However, concerns exist regarding the level of knowledge and preparedness of nurses in Gombe, a region with a history of outbreaks, especially with Lassa fever. Identifying gaps in nurses' knowledge and management practices will provide critical insights into the training needs of healthcare professionals in these settings.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in various departments at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, who may be involved in the care of patients with viral hemorrhagic fevers. The limitations include the potential for response bias and the limited generalizability of findings to other hospitals due to the study being restricted to one institution.
Definition of Terms
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