An Investigation of Nurses' Role in the Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a significant risk for healthcare workers, particularly nurses who are frequently in direct contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials. Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through needlestick injuries, cuts, and contact with mucous membranes or open wounds. The consequences of such exposures can be severe, leading to chronic infections, long-term health complications, and even death if not managed properly.
In healthcare settings, nurses are at an increased risk due to their proximity to patients and involvement in procedures such as intravenous injections, blood draws, and wound care. The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) is one of the largest healthcare providers in Nigeria, offering a wide range of medical services, including those with a higher risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Effective prevention and management strategies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to infection control protocols, and prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), are essential to protect nurses and other healthcare workers from these risks.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the established guidelines and preventive measures, nurses are still exposed to bloodborne pathogens due to inadequate training, inconsistent adherence to infection control protocols, and insufficient resources. The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, being a high-volume facility, has a considerable number of nurses working in potentially high-risk areas. It is crucial to investigate the role of nurses in the prevention and management of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in this setting, in order to improve their safety and health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding the prevention of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
- To evaluate the management of occupational exposure incidents by nurses at the hospital.
- To identify challenges faced by nurses in preventing and managing occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Research Questions
- What is the level of knowledge among nurses regarding the prevention of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital?
- How do nurses manage occupational exposure incidents to bloodborne pathogens?
- What challenges do nurses face in preventing and managing occupational exposure, and how can these challenges be addressed?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital have adequate knowledge of bloodborne pathogen prevention.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge and their management of occupational exposure incidents.
- Barriers such as lack of training and inadequate resources contribute significantly to the risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in high-risk areas at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, such as emergency units, surgery, and the laboratory. Limitations include the potential for recall bias and the inability to capture all possible risk factors due to the scope being confined to one institution.
Definition of Terms
- Bloodborne Pathogens: Infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
- Occupational Exposure: Any situation in which healthcare workers are exposed to blood or body fluids that may contain pathogens.
- Prevention Practices: Actions taken by nurses to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including the use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH): A tertiary healthcare facility in Abuja, Nigeria, providing medical services and training healthcare professionals.
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