Background of the Study
Zoonotic diseases, which are infections transmitted between animals and humans, represent a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. These diseases, which include Ebola, avian influenza, and rabies, have the potential to cause widespread outbreaks with devastating effects on communities. According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 60% of all known infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic in origin, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to be well-equipped with knowledge on their prevention, transmission, and management. Nurses play a central role in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, as they are often the first to encounter patients exhibiting symptoms or at risk of infection. Their ability to recognize the signs of zoonotic diseases, understand their transmission mechanisms, and provide appropriate interventions is crucial to preventing outbreaks and safeguarding public health.
In Nigeria, zoonotic diseases are a growing concern due to the frequent interaction between humans and animals, particularly in rural areas where agricultural activities are prevalent. Benue State, located in central Nigeria, has a high population of farmers and herders, increasing the likelihood of zoonotic disease transmission. Despite the importance of nurses in controlling the spread of these diseases, research suggests that their awareness and understanding of zoonotic diseases remain limited in many healthcare settings. A lack of comprehensive training on zoonotic diseases may result in delayed diagnosis, poor patient management, and inadequate public health responses (Oluwaseun et al., 2023). Understanding the current level of knowledge and awareness among nurses at Benue State University Teaching Hospital about zoonotic diseases is essential for improving public health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the extent of nurses' awareness of zoonotic diseases and their ability to prevent and manage their transmission effectively.
Statement of the Problem
Zoonotic diseases pose a significant risk to public health, particularly in areas with high levels of human-animal interactions, such as Benue State. Despite the critical role that nurses play in the detection, prevention, and management of these diseases, there is limited evidence on their awareness of zoonotic diseases and their transmission mechanisms at Benue State University Teaching Hospital. Insufficient knowledge among nurses could result in inadequate prevention strategies, misdiagnosis, and delayed responses to outbreaks, increasing the risk of disease spread within the community. Therefore, it is essential to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of zoonotic diseases among nurses at this hospital and identify any gaps that need to be addressed to improve healthcare delivery and public health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in various departments at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, particularly those involved in patient care and public health interventions. It will assess their level of awareness regarding zoonotic diseases, the transmission mechanisms, and the strategies they use to manage these diseases. The study will not extend to other healthcare professionals or hospitals in Benue State, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other institutions.
The limitations of the study include the potential for bias in self-reported data, as nurses may overstate their level of knowledge. Additionally, the study will focus solely on zoonotic diseases and will not assess other aspects of public health education.
Definitions of Terms
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