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.. 10
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
2.2.1 Capacity Building Theory.. 13
2.2.2 Resource Availability Theory.. 14
2.2.3 Communication and Coordination Theory.. 14
2.2.4 Cultural Competency Theory.. 14
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 15
2.4 Empirical Review.. 18
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 20
Chapter Three.. 22
Research Methodology.. 22
Introduction.. 22
Study Design.. 22
Data Collection Methods. 22
Population of the Study.. 23
Sampling of the Study.. 23
Analytical Approach.. 23
Validity and Reliability of the Instrument. 24
Ethical Considerations. 25
Limitations. 25
Conclusion.. 25
CHAPTER FOUR.. 26
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 26
4.1 Preamble.. 26
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 26
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 31
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 31
4.4 Testing Hypotheses. 49
Discussion of findings. 52
CHAPTER FIVE.. 54
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.. 54
5.1 Summary of Findings. 54
Findings. 54
5.2 Conclusion.. 54
5.3 Recommendations. 55
Future Directions. 55
REFERENCES.. 56
Questionnaire.. 59
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In an era marked by escalating global health threats, the role of nurses in ensuring effective preparedness and response to public health emergencies cannot be overstated. Nigeria, as Africa's most populous nation and a key player in the region's healthcare landscape, faces a myriad of challenges in this regard. Evaluating the preparedness and response capabilities of Nigerian nurses becomes paramount to fortify the nation's resilience against emerging health crises. This introductory exploration delves into the current state of preparedness and response among Nigerian nurses, highlighting key areas of strength and vulnerability. Smith, A. B., & Ojo, O. M. (2020).
Nigerian nurses serve on the frontlines of healthcare delivery, often confronting infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other public health emergencies. However, the adequacy of their training, resources, and institutional support in navigating such crises remains a subject of scrutiny. By examining existing literature and empirical evidence, this evaluation seeks to shed light on the efficacy of current protocols, infrastructure, and educational initiatives within Nigeria's nursing community. It aims to identify gaps and propose actionable strategies for enhancing preparedness and response efforts, thereby safeguarding both healthcare workers and the general populace. Adelakun, F. E., & Ogunbanjo, G. A. (2019).
Drawing on a diverse array of scholarly sources and empirical studies, this evaluation adopts a multifaceted approach to assessing the readiness of Nigerian nurses. The analysis encompasses factors such as disaster management protocols, infection control measures, interprofessional collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies in healthcare delivery. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, this study endeavors to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in bolstering Nigeria's public health emergency response infrastructure. Moreover, it endeavors to offer insights that can inform policy decisions and resource allocation aimed at optimizing the preparedness and response capabilities of Nigerian nurses. Onasoga, O. A., & Udeh, E. I. (2018).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite Nigeria's significant strides in healthcare development, the preparedness and response of its nursing workforce to public health emergencies remain areas of concern. The nation faces a myriad of health threats, including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises, which necessitate a robust and agile response from healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. However, a critical examination of the current landscape reveals gaps in training, resources, and institutional support, hindering Nigerian nurses' ability to effectively navigate and mitigate the impact of such emergencies (Oladipo & Adebayo, 2021). This 1.2 Statement of the Problem underscores the urgent need to evaluate and address the readiness of Nigerian nurses in responding to public health emergencies, thereby enhancing the nation's overall resilience and capacity to safeguard public health.
One significant challenge facing Nigerian nurses in their response to public health emergencies is the inadequacy of disaster preparedness training and education within nursing curricula. Despite the evolving nature of global health threats, many nursing programs in Nigeria lack comprehensive coursework and practical training in disaster management, emergency response protocols, and infection control measures (Smith & Ojo, 2020). As a result, nurses may find themselves ill-equipped to effectively coordinate and implement timely interventions during crises, potentially exacerbating the impact of emergencies on both healthcare workers and the broader community.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Evaluation of the Preparedness and Response of Nigerian Nurses to Public Health Emergencies. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of Nigerian nurses regarding public health emergencies.
- To evaluate the factors influencing the preparedness and response of Nigerian nurses to public health emergencies.
- To explore the impact of Nigerian nurses' preparedness and response on public health emergency outcomes.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- To what extent do Nigerian nurses possess the knowledge required for effective response to various public health emergencies?
- How do factors like access to training programs, availability of resources and hospital protocols influence nurses' preparedness for public health emergencies?
- Is there a correlation between nurses' preparedness and the quality of care provided during public health emergencies in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Hypothesis 1:
H0 (Null Hypothesis): There is no significant relationship between the level of training received by nurses and their preparedness for public health emergencies at UUTH, Uyo.
H1 (Alternative Hypothesis): There is a significant relationship between the level of training received by nurses and their preparedness for public health emergencies at UUTH, Uyo.
Hypothesis 2:
H0: The availability of resources and infrastructure does not significantly affect the response of nurses to public health emergencies at UUTH, Uyo.
H2: The availability of resources and infrastructure significantly affects the response of nurses to public health emergencies at UUTH, Uyo.
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 Public Health 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.
