Background of the Study
Community health nursing is a crucial component of healthcare systems worldwide, emphasizing preventive care, health promotion, and community engagement (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Unlike hospital-based nursing, community health nursing focuses on delivering healthcare services at the grassroots level, addressing public health concerns such as maternal and child health, communicable disease prevention, and health education (Okonkwo & Adegbite, 2024). The demand for well-trained community health nurses is increasing due to the rising burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, especially in underserved areas (Eze et al., 2024).
Training in community health nursing equips nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to work in diverse settings, including rural and peri-urban communities. Studies have shown that nurses trained in community health nursing significantly contribute to reducing mortality rates, improving vaccination coverage, and increasing public health awareness (Ogunleye & Bello, 2023). However, despite its significance, community health nursing training is often underemphasized in nursing education programs in Nigeria (Adamu et al., 2024).
The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, is a major institution for nursing education, yet there is limited research on the effectiveness of its community health nursing training. This study aims to assess the importance of this training in preparing nurses to handle public health challenges and improve healthcare delivery in communities.
Statement of the Problem
Community health nursing plays a pivotal role in improving public health outcomes. However, in Nigeria, there is inadequate investment in training programs for community health nurses, leading to a shortage of well-equipped practitioners (Adebayo et al., 2024). Many nursing students focus on hospital-based practice, neglecting the importance of primary healthcare and preventive medicine (Musa et al., 2023). As a result, public health challenges such as maternal mortality, vaccine hesitancy, and poor sanitation persist, especially in rural areas (Chukwu et al., 2024).
In UNTH, Enugu, community health nursing is part of the nursing curriculum, but its practical effectiveness in equipping students with necessary skills remains largely unexplored. There is a need to evaluate whether the training adequately prepares nursing students for real-world community health challenges. This study seeks to appraise the importance of community health nursing training in UNTH and its impact on healthcare service delivery.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nursing students at UNTH, Enugu, particularly those who have undergone community health nursing training. It will assess their knowledge, skills, and perception of community nursing practice. The study is limited by factors such as variability in students’ exposure to community practice and differences in curriculum content.
Definitions of Terms
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