Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study.. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 7
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 8
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 9
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 9
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 10
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 10
CHAPTER TWO.. 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 13
2.1 Introduction.. 13
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 13
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 15
2.4 Empirical Review.. 18
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 20
Chapter Three.. 21
Research Methodology.. 21
3.1 Research Design.. 21
3.2 Study Area.. 21
3.3 Study Population.. 21
3.4 Sample Size Determination.. 22
3.5 Sampling Technique.. 22
3.6 Data Collection Instruments. 23
3.7 Data Collection Procedure.. 23
3.8 Data Analysis. 24
3.9 Ethical Considerations. 24
3.10 Limitations of the Study.. 24
CHAPTER FOUR.. 25
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 25
4.1 Preamble.. 25
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 26
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 28
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 28
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 39
Discussion of Findings. 40
CHAPTER FIVE.. 44
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.. 44
5.1 Summary of Findings. 44
5.2 Conclusion.. 45
5.3 Recommendations. 46
REFERENCES.. 48
Detailed research questionnaire with boxes for your project on "ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF INFECTION CONTROL AMONG NURSES IN NIGERIAN HOSPITALS (A CASE STUDY OF UUTH, UYO).". 52
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Infection control is a critical component of healthcare delivery, aimed at preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in implementing infection control measures to safeguard both patients and healthcare workers. However, the effectiveness of infection control practices among nurses is contingent upon their knowledge and adherence to established protocols. In Nigeria, where healthcare-associated infections pose significant challenges, assessing the knowledge and practices of infection control among nurses is imperative to enhance patient safety and quality of care. Akpan, E. I., Ikpeme, B. M., & Udosen, A. M. (2016).
A comprehensive understanding of the knowledge levels and practices of infection control among nurses in Nigerian hospitals is essential for developing targeted interventions and strategies to address gaps and improve overall infection control outcomes. Factors such as inadequate training, limited access to resources, and understaffing may influence nurses' ability to effectively implement infection control measures. By identifying specific areas of deficiency and barriers to compliance, healthcare institutions can implement tailored educational programs and provide necessary resources to support nurses in adhering to best practices in infection control. Ogoina, D., & Pondei, K. (2012).
This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of infection control among nurses in Nigerian hospitals through a structured survey and observation of clinical practices. By collecting data on nurses' understanding of infection control protocols, hand hygiene practices, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to standard precautions, this research seeks to provide insights into the current state of infection control in Nigerian healthcare settings. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on infection control practices among nurses and inform strategies for enhancing infection prevention and control efforts in Nigerian hospitals. Okechukwu, E. F., & Motshedisi, C. (2019).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
In Nigerian hospitals, infection control is of paramount importance to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Despite the crucial role nurses play in implementing infection control measures, there remains a gap in understanding their knowledge and adherence to best practices. The lack of comprehensive assessments regarding the knowledge and practices of infection control among nurses poses a significant challenge in addressing and mitigating the risk of HAIs in healthcare settings (Okafor et al., 2020). Without a clear understanding of nurses' level of knowledge and adherence to infection control protocols, healthcare facilities are at risk of increased infection rates and compromised patient outcomes.
One of the key issues contributing to the inadequate implementation of infection control measures among nurses in Nigerian hospitals is the lack of standardized training and education programs tailored to address the specific challenges and contexts of healthcare settings in the country (Uduma-Olugu et al., 2018). Additionally, limited access to resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and insufficient staffing exacerbate the challenges faced by nurses in adhering to infection control protocols effectively. As a result, there is a pressing need for comprehensive assessments to identify gaps in knowledge and practices among nurses, which can inform targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening infection control measures (Okafor et al., 2020). By addressing these challenges, healthcare facilities can enhance their ability to prevent HAIs and improve overall patient care and safety.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Assessment of the Knowledge and Practices of Infection Control among Nurses in Nigerian Hospitals. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the level of knowledge Nigerian hospital nurses possess regarding standard precautions, hand hygiene protocols,
- To evaluate the self-reported practices of infection control measures by Nigerian hospital nurses, including hand hygiene frequency,
- To identify factors that influence knowledge and practice of infection control among Nigerian hospital nurses.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What is the percentage of Nigerian hospital nurses who demonstrate a good understanding of key infection control concepts like standard precautions and hand hygiene?
- To what extent do Nigerian hospital nurses adhere to recommended infection control practices in their daily routines, based on self-reported behavior?
- Are there any significant associations between factors like training received, resource availability, and workload with nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control in Nigerian hospitals?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant difference in the knowledge and practices of infection control among nurses in Nigerian hospitals.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Nursing Science sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to UUTH, Uyo Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
