Preparedness for diphtheria epidemic among healthcare workers in Kano State, Nigeria

Résumé fourni par la source

Background Diphtheria remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria, highlighting the need for an adequately prepared healthcare workforce and health system. This study assessed healthcare workers’ knowledge of diphtheria, infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, and preparedness for diphtheria outbreaks in Kano State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 healthcare workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, while facility preparedness was assessed using a structured checklist completed by designated facility focal persons in 24 selected health facilities. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed at a 5% significance level using SPSS version 20. Results showed that Overall, 51.0% of healthcare workers had poor knowledge of diphtheria, while 53.4% demonstrated poor IPC practices. Healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities were significantly less likely to have good IPC practices than those in tertiary facilities (OR = 0.097, 95% CI: 0.041–0.232; p < 0.001). Although respondents demonstrated good individual preparedness for diphtheria outbreaks, 70.8% of health facilities were classified as poorly prepared. Conclusions, despite good self-reported individual preparedness among healthcare workers, important deficiencies in knowledge, IPC practices, and facility preparedness remain. Strengthening healthcare worker training, IPC implementation, and facility-level outbreak preparedness is essential to improve readiness for future diphtheria outbreaks.

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