Background of the Study
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a significant public health challenge worldwide, with severe consequences for patient safety, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. In Nigeria, the burden of HAIs is particularly high due to inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, poor compliance with standard precautions, and resource constraints in healthcare facilities (WHO, 2023). Nurses, who constitute the largest group of healthcare workers, play a crucial role in infection prevention. However, studies have shown that adherence to standard precautions, such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection practices, remains suboptimal (Adekunle et al., 2024).
Infection prevention training programs have been recognized as effective interventions to improve nurses' compliance with standard precautions. Such training enhances knowledge, corrects misconceptions, and reinforces best practices necessary for preventing HAIs (Oladapo & Musa, 2024). However, at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, there is limited research on the impact of infection prevention training on nurses’ adherence to these precautions. Many nurses may lack sufficient training, leading to inconsistent adherence and increased risk of infections among patients and healthcare workers.
Despite national and global guidelines advocating for routine infection control training, institutional challenges such as understaffing, high patient loads, and limited access to IPC resources hinder effective implementation (Usman & Bello, 2025). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention training on nurses' adherence to standard precautions at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi. Understanding the relationship between training and adherence will inform strategies for strengthening IPC programs and reducing HAIs.
Statement of the Problem
Non-compliance with standard infection prevention precautions remains a persistent problem among nurses, contributing to the high prevalence of HAIs in Nigerian hospitals. At Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, gaps in adherence to standard precautions may be due to inadequate training, lack of motivation, and insufficient institutional support. Without proper infection prevention training, nurses may fail to implement essential protective measures, thereby endangering both patients and healthcare workers (Adewale & Umar, 2024).
Previous studies have suggested that infection prevention training can significantly improve nurses’ adherence to standard precautions (Ibrahim & Okonkwo, 2023). However, there is limited empirical evidence on the extent to which such training influences compliance among nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi. If training interventions are not effective or well implemented, HAIs may continue to pose a major threat to healthcare delivery.
This study seeks to assess the impact of infection prevention training on nurses’ adherence to standard precautions. By identifying gaps in knowledge, barriers to adherence, and areas for improvement, the findings will contribute to the development of more effective infection control strategies.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the effect of infection prevention training on nurses’ adherence to standard precautions at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi.
2. To assess nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding infection prevention before and after training interventions.
3. To identify barriers affecting nurses' compliance with standard infection prevention precautions.
Research Questions
1. How does infection prevention training influence nurses’ adherence to standard precautions at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi?
2. What is the level of nurses’ knowledge and practice of infection prevention before and after training?
3. What are the key barriers affecting nurses' compliance with infection prevention precautions?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: Infection prevention training has no significant impact on nurses’ adherence to standard precautions.
2. H₀: There is no significant difference in nurses’ knowledge and practice of infection prevention before and after training.
3. H₀: Institutional and personal barriers do not significantly affect nurses’ compliance with standard precautions.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, assessing their adherence to standard precautions before and after infection prevention training. The study does not include other healthcare workers such as doctors and laboratory staff. Limitations include possible recall bias, variations in training effectiveness among participants, and resistance to behavioral change due to long-standing practices.
Definition of Terms
• Infection Prevention Training: Educational programs aimed at equipping healthcare workers with knowledge and skills to prevent HAIs.
• Standard Precautions: Basic infection control practices such as hand hygiene, PPE use, and safe disposal of medical waste.
• Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs):Infections acquired during hospital stays that were not present at the time of admission.
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Chapter One: Introduction
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