Nurses’ Knowledge and Perceived Compliance with Standard Precautions for Preventing Diphtheria Transmission at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diphtheria is a contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that has reemerged in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, amid concerns about suboptimal vaccination coverage and gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC). This study aimed to assess the knowledge and compliance of nurses with standard precautions for preventing diphtheria transmission at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at MMSH with a sample of 125 consenting nurses through total population sampling using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including chi-square and regression analysis. The significance level was set at p≤0.05.

Results: The study found that 57.6% of nurses had good knowledge, 34.4% had moderate knowledge, and 8.0% had poor knowledge of diphtheria prevention. Compliance with standard precautions was high, 94.4% of nurses complied with hand hygiene, 98.4% complied with waste disposal, and 92.8% adhered to isolation protocols. However, perceived compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage was moderate, with only 48.0% consistently using appropriate PPE, reflecting moderate compliance. Inferential statistics revealed a statistically significant association in level of knowledge and work experience (X²=22.35, df =6, p<0.01), with more experienced nurses having higher knowledge. Additionally, no significant relationship was found between nurses' knowledge and standard precaution compliance (p=0.999), and Factors influencing compliance were predicted using Multiple Linear Regression, where training (p = 0.000), PPE availability (p = 0.014), and institutional support (p = 0.003) were statistically significant.

Conclusion: While nurses at MMSH exhibit a high level of knowledge and compliance with standard precautions, further efforts are needed to improve PPE usage and address barriers like high workload and staff shortages. Strengthening training, enhancing resource availability, and reinforcing hospital policies are crucial for improving adherence to IPC measures.