The Strategies Utilized for Prevention of Nosocomial Infection in the Surgical Ward among Nurses in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra
Keywords:
Nosocomial infection, hospital-acquired infection, infection prevention, nurses, knowledge, barriers, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching HospitalAbstract
Nosocomial infections remain a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in healthcare settings where nurses play a critical role in infection prevention and control. This study assessed the knowledge of nosocomial infections, the preventive strategies utilized, and the barriers encountered by nurses in preventing nosocomial infections at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised 100 clinical nurses working in various wards of the hospital. Using Taro Yamane's formula, a sample size of 80 nurses was determined and selected through random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-designed structured questionnaire that was validated by research experts and tested for reliability using the test-retest method. Data analysis was carried out using frequencies and percentages, and findings were presented in tables. The results showed that the majority of respondents were female (90.0%), married (90.5%), degree holders (72.1%), and within the age range of 31–40 years (37.5%). Findings revealed that nurses demonstrated a good level of knowledge regarding nosocomial infections, with an average of 70% of respondents providing correct responses on key infection-related concepts, transmission routes, and preventive measures. Regarding prevention strategies, most nurses reported adherence to recommended infection control practices, including hand hygiene before patient contact (83.8%), handwashing after exposure to body fluids (82.5%), and patient education (84.2%). However, several barriers to effective nosocomial infection prevention were identified, including limitations in language competency (92.5%), infection surveillance inefficiencies (88.7%), increased scrutiny due to public visibility of hospital-acquired infections (77.0%), increased reporting requirements (76.4%), and limited time to accomplish multiple goals (70.9%).The study concluded that nurses at NAUTH possess adequate knowledge of nosocomial infections and generally utilize appropriate preventive strategies. Nevertheless, organizational and operational barriers continue to hinder optimal infection prevention practices. The study recommends continuous professional education, improved infection surveillance systems, adequate staffing, and enhanced institutional support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures within the hospital setting.
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