1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The issue of injection safety has evolved as a major concern in global healthcare systems due to its implications for both patient and healthcare worker safety. In the early days of modern medicine, injections were largely seen as a routine procedure with limited emphasis on safety protocols. The focus on infection control began to gain momentum in the late 20th century, particularly with the increasing awareness of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Healthcare workers, including nurses, were identified as being at significant risk of exposure to these infections due to frequent handling of needles and syringes.
In 1987, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with unsafe injection practices and to promote safe injection practices globally. This initiative was spurred by the recognition that millions of people worldwide were being exposed to blood-borne pathogens as a result of unsafe injection practices (WHO, 2014). Injection safety is a critical component of healthcare, particularly in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Despite the growing importance of safe injection practices, reports of unsafe injection practices remain prevalent in various healthcare settings. Nurses, who are often responsible for administering injections, play a pivotal role in ensuring patient safety. The administration of injections, whether for vaccines, pain relief, or other medical treatments, requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent complications such as infections, needlestick injuries, and cross-contamination (WHO, 2014).
Unsafe injection practices, including the reuse of needles and syringes, improper disposal of injection materials, and inadequate hand hygiene, continue to be major contributors to the transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Inadequate knowledge among healthcare workers, including nurses, about the risks associated with unsafe injections and the proper safety protocols can significantly increase the likelihood of such incidents (Kassim, 2018). Several studies have highlighted gaps in the knowledge and practices regarding injection safety among healthcare workers, particularly in low-resource settings (WHO, 2020).
Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, are at the highest risk of exposure to injection-related injuries and infections. As such, their adherence to safe injection practices is crucial in minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (CDC, 2020). The assessment of injection safety knowledge and practices among nurses is therefore essential in identifying areas that require improvement, whether through further education, training, or institutional policy changes. By understanding the current levels of awareness and the application of safety practices among nurses, healthcare institutions can implement targeted interventions to enhance safety standards, reduce the risk of infections, and ultimately improve patient outcomes (Kassim, 2018). Injection safety according to WHO (2014) refers to the practice of administering medications and vaccines in a manner that prevents the risk of infection, injury, or contamination to both the patient and healthcare provider (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). It encompasses a wide range of procedures and precautions, including the proper handling, storage, and disposal of injection equipment, as well as adherence to sterile techniques. As one of the most common and critical forms of medical intervention, injections are integral to modern healthcare; however, improper injection practices can lead to significant health risks, including the transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Nurses, who are often the primary healthcare providers responsible for administering injections, play a vital role in ensuring injection safety. However, their knowledge and adherence to safe injection practices can vary due to differences in training, institutional policies, and individual perceptions (Kassim, 2018). Therefore, this research aims to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding injection safety in clinical settings, identifying gaps in their training and awareness that may contribute to unsafe practices.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that in healthcare settings, injections are one of the most common and essential forms of medical interventions. However, the administration of injections poses significant risks if not carried out with proper safety protocols. Unsafe injection practices, including needle reuse, improper disposal of injection equipment, and failure to adhere to sterile techniques, have been identified as major contributors to the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).
Research according to Kassim (2018) has shown that many nurses, particularly in low-resource settings, lack adequate training or fail to implement existing safety measures effectively. While some nurses may be aware of the risks associated with unsafe injections, their practices often do not align with the recommended standards.
Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive, context-specific research on the level of injection safety knowledge and practices among nurses in certain regions. Although global organizations like the WHO have set guidelines for safe injection practices, the application of these guidelines can vary significantly across institutions. Nurses working in different healthcare settings face unique challenges, such as inadequate resources, high patient loads, and varying institutional policies, which may impact their ability to practice safe injection techniques consistently (WHO, 2020). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by assessing the injection safety knowledge and practices among nurses.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The primary aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding injection safety in healthcare settings.
The specific objectives of the study are:
- To evaluate the level of knowledge among nurses concerning safe injection practices and the risks associated with unsafe injections.
- To assess the extent to which nurses adhere to standard safety protocols when administering injections.
- To examine the training and educational programs available to nurses on injection safety and determine their effectiveness in promoting safe practices.
- To identify the factors influencing the implementation of safe injection practices among nurses, such as institutional policies, available resources, and personal experiences.
- To provide recommendations for improving injection safety knowledge and practices among nurses, with a focus on targeted interventions and training programs.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated to guide the investigation:
- What is the level of knowledge among nurses regarding safe injection practices and the risks associated with unsafe injections?
- To what extent do nurses adhere to standard safety protocols when administering injections in clinical settings?
- What factors influence the implementation of safe injection practices among nurses, including institutional policies, available resources, and personal experiences?
- How effective are the training and educational programs provided to nurses in promoting knowledge and adherence to injection safety practices?
- What strategies can be recommended to improve the knowledge and practices of nurses concerning injection safety in healthcare settings?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Based on the study's objectives, the following hypotheses have been developed to test the relationship between nurses' knowledge and practices regarding injection safety:
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge of safe injection practices and their adherence to safety protocols when administering injections.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge of safe injection practices and their adherence to safety protocols when administering injections.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Nurses with higher levels of knowledge about safe injection practices are not likely to adhere to standard safety protocols when administering injections.
- H1: Nurses with higher levels of knowledge about safe injection practices are more likely to adhere to standard safety protocols when administering injections.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Institutional policies and available resources do not significantly influence the implementation of safe injection practices among nurses.
- H1: Institutional policies and available resources have a significant influence on the implementation of safe injection practices among nurses.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research study will help raise awareness about the risks associated with unsafe injection practices, not only for nurses but also for patients. Unsafe injections are a significant source of healthcare-associated infections, and by improving nurses' knowledge and practices, the study will contribute to reducing the transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Furthermore, the research study will be significant in informing healthcare institutions, policymakers, and regulatory bodies on the need for continuous education and robust safety protocols.
Lastly, the research will fill a gap in the existing literature on injection safety practices, particularly in settings where there may be limited resources and training. It will offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges nurses face in adhering to safety standards and provide practical recommendations for addressing these challenges.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study will focus on assessing the knowledge and practices regarding injection safety among nurses in selected healthcare institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. The scope will cover both public and private hospitals, as well as health centers within the state, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current injection safety practices across different types of healthcare settings.
The study will involve nurses working in various departments where injections are commonly administered, including general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and emergency care. Data collection will include a combination of surveys, interviews, and observation to gather a well-rounded perspective on both theoretical knowledge and practical application of injection safety protocols.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Injection Safety:
Injection safety refers to the practice of ensuring the safe and proper administration of injections to prevent harm to both the patient and the healthcare provider. This includes using sterile equipment, adhering to infection control protocols, and ensuring that the injection is given in the correct manner to avoid complications such as infections, needle-stick injuries, and contamination (World Health Organization, 2016).
Knowledge:
In the context of this study, knowledge refers to the understanding nurses possess regarding injection safety practices, including the correct techniques for administering injections, awareness of the risks associated with unsafe injections, and the recommended protocols for ensuring patient and healthcare worker safety (Batra & Krishnan, 2017).
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