Background of the Study
Childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and malnutrition remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). In response to these challenges, the WHO and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) developed the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy, a globally recognized framework for improving child healthcare through evidence-based interventions (Adebayo & Musa, 2023).
IMCI guidelines focus on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive care to reduce child mortality and improve health outcomes. Nurses play a vital role in implementing these guidelines by assessing symptoms, classifying illnesses, and providing appropriate treatment or referrals (Ogunleye & Bello, 2024). However, the effectiveness of IMCI largely depends on healthcare providers’ adherence to its protocols.
At State Specialist Hospital, Kano, nurses are expected to apply IMCI guidelines in managing childhood illnesses. However, factors such as inadequate training, staff shortages, and lack of essential medicines may hinder compliance (Ibrahim & Adekunle, 2023). Understanding the level of adherence among nurses in this setting is crucial for identifying gaps and strengthening child healthcare services.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the introduction of IMCI guidelines to improve child healthcare, poor adherence by healthcare providers remains a significant challenge in many healthcare facilities (Maslach & Leiter, 2023). Research suggests that nurses often deviate from IMCI protocols due to inadequate training, resource constraints, and high patient loads (Okeke & Yusuf, 2024). Non-adherence to IMCI guidelines can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and preventable child deaths.
At State Specialist Hospital, Kano, the extent to which nurses adhere to IMCI protocols remains unclear. There is a need to assess their compliance levels and identify factors influencing adherence to ensure optimal healthcare delivery for children (Ibrahim & Musa, 2024). This study seeks to evaluate nurses’ adherence to IMCI guidelines and propose strategies for improving compliance.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of nurses’ adherence to IMCI guidelines at State Specialist Hospital, Kano.
2. To identify challenges affecting nurses’ compliance with IMCI protocols.
3. To examine the impact of IMCI adherence on childhood health outcomes.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses’ adherence to IMCI guidelines at State Specialist Hospital, Kano?
2. What are the key barriers to nurses’ compliance with IMCI protocols?
3. How does adherence to IMCI guidelines influence childhood health outcomes?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at State Specialist Hospital, Kano, demonstrate low adherence to IMCI guidelines.
2. Limited training, staff shortages, and inadequate resources significantly hinder IMCI compliance.
3. Improved adherence to IMCI guidelines enhances childhood health outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses at State Specialist Hospital, Kano, and their adherence to IMCI guidelines. It does not include other healthcare professionals or hospitals outside the study area. Limitations may include potential bias in self-reported adherence and variations in patient case severity.
Definitions of Terms
• IMCI Guidelines: A standardized framework developed by WHO and UNICEF to improve child healthcare through early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive care.
• Nurse Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow established protocols in managing childhood illnesses.
• Childhood Health Outcomes: The overall well-being and recovery rates of children under five receiving medical care.
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