An Investigation of Nurses' Role in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections in Lagos University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients acquire during hospitalization and are not present at the time of admission (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). These infections pose a significant threat to patient safety, prolong hospital stays, increase medical costs, and contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates (Adeyemi & Musa, 2024). Common HAIs include ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections (Eze et al., 2023).
Nurses play a critical role in infection prevention and control (IPC) as they provide direct patient care, administer medications, and perform wound care procedures. Their adherence to standard precautions, including hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental sanitation, is essential in reducing the spread of HAIs (Okonkwo & Adegbite, 2024). However, studies have indicated that non-compliance with infection control protocols remains a significant issue in many healthcare facilities, often due to inadequate training, workload pressure, and resource constraints (Bello & Yusuf, 2024).
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is one of Nigeria’s largest tertiary healthcare institutions, handling a high volume of patients, including those with infectious diseases. Given the risk of HAIs in such a high-contact environment, assessing the role of nurses in infection control at LUTH is essential to identifying gaps, improving healthcare practices, and ensuring patient safety.
Statement of the Problem
Despite global efforts to control HAIs, these infections continue to pose a serious public health challenge in Nigeria (Musa et al., 2023). Poor infection control practices among healthcare workers, including nurses, have been identified as a major contributor to the spread of nosocomial infections (Okoro & Adebayo, 2024). Studies have shown that inadequate compliance with hand hygiene, improper handling of medical devices, and lapses in disinfection procedures contribute significantly to the persistence of HAIs in Nigerian hospitals (Chukwu & Bello, 2024).
At LUTH, the prevalence of HAIs remains a concern, affecting patient recovery rates and increasing hospital costs. While nurses are at the frontline of patient care, their specific contributions to infection control remain understudied. This study seeks to investigate nurses’ role in reducing hospital-acquired infections at LUTH, evaluating their adherence to infection prevention protocols and identifying barriers to effective IPC practices.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess nurses' knowledge of hospital-acquired infections and infection prevention protocols.
- To evaluate nurses' adherence to infection control measures at LUTH.
- To identify challenges faced by nurses in implementing infection prevention strategies.
Research Questions
- What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding hospital-acquired infections and prevention measures?
- How effectively do nurses adhere to infection control protocols at LUTH?
- What challenges hinder nurses' efforts in reducing hospital-acquired infections?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at LUTH have adequate knowledge of hospital-acquired infections and prevention measures.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' adherence to infection control protocols and the reduction of hospital-acquired infections.
- Addressing barriers to infection control will significantly improve patient safety at LUTH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses working at LUTH, assessing their role in preventing hospital-acquired infections. Limitations may include variations in compliance levels among different nursing units and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.
Definitions of Terms
- Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): Infections that develop in patients during hospitalization, unrelated to their primary health condition.
- Infection Control Measures: Strategies and procedures used to prevent and control the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
- Nosocomial Infections: Another term for hospital-acquired infections.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protective clothing, gloves, masks, and other equipment used by healthcare workers to prevent infection transmission.
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