An Evaluation of Nurses' Knowledge and Adherence to Isolation Precautions for Communicable Diseases at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Isolation precautions are critical infection control measures used to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases, particularly in hospital settings where patients with contagious conditions are treated. These precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning, are essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Healthcare-associated infections remain a significant public health challenge, contributing to morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).
The outbreak of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, and Ebola, has heightened the need for robust infection control protocols and rigorous adherence to isolation precautions. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of proper isolation procedures to protect both healthcare workers and patients from the spread of infectious diseases (WHO, 2024). Nurses play a pivotal role in the implementation of these precautions, as they are often the frontline caregivers in hospitals and are involved in direct patient care.
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), located in Lagos, Nigeria, serves as one of the primary healthcare facilities in the region. It provides specialized care for patients with various communicable diseases. Nurses at LASUTH are expected to adhere to isolation protocols designed to prevent the spread of infections. However, despite the critical role of nurses in infection control, studies have suggested that gaps in knowledge and inconsistent adherence to isolation precautions are prevalent in many healthcare settings (Eze et al., 2023). Understanding the level of knowledge and adherence to isolation precautions among nurses at LASUTH is essential to identifying areas that need improvement and enhancing patient safety and infection control measures.
Statement of the Problem
Inadequate knowledge and non-adherence to isolation precautions can significantly increase the risk of communicable diseases spreading within healthcare settings. At LASUTH, there is a concern that nurses may not consistently follow isolation protocols due to insufficient training, lack of resources, or misunderstanding of the guidelines. This could lead to the transmission of infections, affecting both patients and healthcare workers. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and adherence of nurses at LASUTH to isolation precautions for communicable diseases.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of knowledge of nurses at LASUTH regarding isolation precautions for communicable diseases.
- To evaluate the adherence of nurses at LASUTH to isolation precautions for communicable diseases.
- To identify factors influencing nurses' knowledge and adherence to isolation precautions at LASUTH.
Research Questions
- What is the level of knowledge of nurses at LASUTH regarding isolation precautions for communicable diseases?
- To what extent do nurses at LASUTH adhere to isolation precautions for communicable diseases?
- What factors influence nurses' knowledge and adherence to isolation precautions at LASUTH?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses who have received specific training on isolation precautions are more knowledgeable and adhere better to isolation protocols than those who have not received such training.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of isolation precautions and their adherence to these protocols at LASUTH.
- Organizational factors, such as staffing levels and availability of resources, significantly affect nurses' adherence to isolation precautions at LASUTH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in the infection control, emergency, and infectious disease units at LASUTH, as these are the departments most involved in the management of communicable diseases. The study will not include nurses from non-clinical departments.
A limitation of the study is the potential for response bias in the self-reported data on adherence to isolation precautions. Additionally, the study may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings with different infection control policies.
Definitions of Terms
- Isolation precautions: Infection control measures designed to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, including the use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and isolation of affected patients.
- Adherence: The degree to which nurses follow established isolation precautions in their clinical practice.
- Communicable diseases: Infectious diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another, such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and influenza.
Related Project Materials
An assessment of early childhood education infrastructure development in Tafa Local Government Area, Kaduna State
Background of the Study
Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of effective early childhood education, providing the...
The impact of herdsmen-farmer conflicts on social stability in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The herdsmen-farmer conflict in Nigeria, p...
A STUDY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES
ABSTRACT: Addressing Environmental Sustainability in Vocational Training Facilities is crucial for promoting eco-friendly practices and awaren...
NETWORK RESTRICTION TO TWITTER PLATFORM: A BRIDGE TO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF NIGERIAN CITIZENS (A CASE STUDY OF TWITTER BAN)
The focus of the study is to examine network restriction to twitter platform: a bridge to fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens...
An inquiry into social responsibility marketing on consumer engagement: A study of a non-profit organization in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Background of the study
Social responsibility marketing involves the promotion of socially beneficial initiatives and is us...
Topic: An investigation into climate change awareness among university students in Kogi State
Background of the Study
Climate change is one of the most critical global challenges, impacting numerous aspects of socio-...
The Effect of Employee Performance Tracking on Accounting Accuracy in Nigerian SMEs: A Study of SMEs in Rivers State
Background of the Study
Employee performance tracking (EPT) is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for improving...
A Critical Analysis of Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Real Estate Industry: A Case Study of Yobe State
Background of the Study
Sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) refers to an organizat...
AN EVALUATION OF CHALLENGES OF E-LEARNING IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY USING BABCOK UNIVERSITY
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
E-learning refers to the use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologie...
Exploring the Impact of Cultural Investments on Regional Development in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Cultural investments—ranging from funding for the arts to the preservation o...
