Covid-19 Prevention Practices and Associated Challenges among Nurses in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 prevention among nurses in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt and the associated challenges that prevent them from adopting adequate precautionary measures towards COVID-19 prevention. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to select a total sample size of 187 nurses. A questionnaire designed by the researchers was utilized to elicit information from the nurses. A total of 187 copies of the questionnaire were distributed of which 185 were completed and returned. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and were presented as tables and figures using descriptive statistics. Pearson Moment correlation Coefficient was used to test the stated hypothesis of 0.05 level of significance. Findings show that nurses had good knowledge (93.0%), demonstrated positive attitudes (98.4%) and had good practices (96.8%). Inadequate personal protective equipment (43%), lack of space to maintain social distancing (9%), staff shortage (3%), patients' reluctance to accept guidelines (3%), lack of incentives for healthcare workers/finance (5%), lack of isolation wards for patients infected with COVID-19 and prolonged use of personal protective equipment being uncomfortable were barriers to the adoption of adequate precautionary measures. No significant correlation was found between knowledge and practices (r= -0.018, p= 0.813). However, a significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (r= 0.582, p= 0.000). The majority of the nurses had a good understanding of COVID-19, positive attitudes and good practices. However, there were a few barriers that prevented the nurses from carrying out adequate precautionary practices in their various departments. Healthcare facilities should provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) to staff.