Background of the Study
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are diseases that have recently increased in incidence or geographic range or have been identified for the first time. Examples include diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika virus, which have had global health implications. The rapid spread of EIDs highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be well-prepared to respond effectively to new and evolving pathogens. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in identifying, isolating, and managing patients with EIDs. Their ability to recognize the symptoms, implement appropriate isolation protocols, and provide accurate information to patients and the public can significantly reduce the spread of these diseases and improve patient outcomes (Hassan et al., 2023).
Kogi State, located in central Nigeria, is exposed to various health risks, including the potential emergence of infectious diseases due to its diverse population and proximity to neighboring states. Despite the global concern regarding emerging infectious diseases, there is limited research on the preparedness and knowledge of nurses in Nigerian hospitals, particularly in Kogi State. The increasing frequency of outbreaks in Nigeria, coupled with the evolving nature of infectious diseases, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of how well nurses at Kogi State University Teaching Hospital are equipped to respond to these threats. Assessing nurses' knowledge of EIDs and their response mechanisms is essential for identifying areas of improvement and ensuring effective containment strategies during outbreaks.
Statement of the Problem
The emergence of new infectious diseases poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, including in Nigeria. However, there is limited evidence regarding the preparedness of nurses in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital to manage these diseases. Nurses' ability to detect, isolate, and treat patients with emerging infectious diseases is critical to preventing widespread outbreaks. Insufficient knowledge about these diseases and inadequate response protocols can lead to delays in diagnosis, poor patient outcomes, and the spread of infections. This study seeks to investigate the level of knowledge and preparedness among nurses at Kogi State University Teaching Hospital regarding emerging infectious diseases and evaluate their responses during outbreaks.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Kogi State University Teaching Hospital and will assess their knowledge of emerging infectious diseases, their response during outbreaks, and the factors influencing their preparedness. The study will not assess other healthcare professionals or the public health infrastructure outside the hospital.
The limitations of the study include the possibility of response bias in self-reported data and the limited scope, as it will be confined to one hospital in Kogi State. Additionally, the study will focus solely on EIDs and will not evaluate other aspects of infection control in the hospital.
Definitions of Terms
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