An Evaluation of Nurses' Awareness and Response to Antibiotic Resistance in Hospital Settings at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has emerged as a critical global health threat, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections and leading to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates (WHO, 2024). Hospitals, including teaching hospitals such as Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, are focal points for both the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains due to high antibiotic usage. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and patient education, making their awareness and response to ABR essential in controlling its spread.
Despite global and national efforts to curb ABR through policies such as antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection control measures, studies indicate that healthcare professionals, including nurses, often have varying levels of awareness regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics and strategies for resistance prevention (CDC, 2023). The effectiveness of nurses in combating antibiotic resistance depends on their knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use, adherence to infection control protocols, and participation in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. However, there is limited research assessing nurses' awareness and response to ABR in Nigerian hospital settings, particularly at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. This study seeks to evaluate nurses' level of awareness regarding antibiotic resistance and their responses in clinical practice.
Statement of the Problem
The rise in antibiotic-resistant infections within healthcare settings poses a significant threat to patient safety, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Nurses frequently administer antibiotics and oversee infection control measures, yet studies suggest that many healthcare workers lack adequate training and awareness of antibiotic stewardship principles (ECDC, 2024). At Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, a high burden of antibiotic-resistant infections has been reported, but the role of nurses in mitigating this problem remains underexplored.
Limited knowledge about antibiotic resistance, inadequate adherence to infection prevention protocols, and poor antibiotic stewardship among nurses can contribute to the worsening of antibiotic resistance within hospital settings. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the level of nurses' awareness and their responses to ABR at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital to identify gaps and propose strategies for improvement.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess nurses’ level of awareness regarding antibiotic resistance at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
2. To evaluate the responses and practices of nurses in preventing and controlling antibiotic resistance in hospital settings.
3. To identify challenges faced by nurses in implementing antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses’ awareness regarding antibiotic resistance at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital?
2. How do nurses respond to the challenge of antibiotic resistance in hospital settings?
3. What are the key challenges faced by nurses in implementing antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital have a high level of awareness regarding antibiotic resistance.
2. Nurses’ response to antibiotic resistance significantly impacts infection control within the hospital.
3. Challenges such as inadequate training, resource limitations, and non-compliance with antibiotic policies hinder nurses’ effectiveness in combating antibiotic resistance.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in different departments of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, including intensive care units, surgical wards, and general medical wards. The study will explore nurses' knowledge of antibiotic resistance, their involvement in infection prevention measures, and adherence to antibiotic stewardship policies. Limitations may include self-reporting bias, limited access to hospital records on antibiotic resistance cases, and variations in respondents’ knowledge levels.
Definitions of Terms
• Antibiotic Resistance (ABR): The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship: A coordinated approach aimed at optimizing antibiotic use to reduce resistance and improve patient outcomes.
• Infection Control Measures: Procedures used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections, including hand hygiene, sterilization, and isolation protocols.
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