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

Abstract

Ensuring epidemic preparedness is a critical responsibility of every sovereign nation. Every threat to health, especially the spread of communicable diseases, constitutes a potential threat to human existence. Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are the first line of defence against any disease outbreak, but their knowledge levels vary. The study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and preparedness for the diphtheria epidemic among healthcare workers in Kano state using quantitative method. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select 421 HCWs, and they responded to a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the analysis at a 5% significant level. Results showed that 51% of healthcare workers had poor knowledge of diphtheria and 53.4% demonstrated generally poor infection prevention control (IPC) practices. Factors such as age group, education level, ethnicity and facility level were associated with knowledge and IPC practices of diphtheria. The socio-demographic predictors of knowledge of diphtheria was age group (OR= 1.320, CI 0.669-2.606, p-value 0.424). Facility level, predicted IPC practices; those in primary health facilities were 91% less likely to have good IPC practices compared to those in tertiary facilities, with statistically significant finding of (OR= 0.097, CI 0.041-0.232, p-value 0.001). Overall, 78.1% of respondents demonstrated good preparedness for diphtheria outbreak. However, facility preparedness for diphtheria response was found to be lacking, with 70.8% of facilities having poor preparations. Preparedness is vital for effective outbreak response, necessitating collective efforts for future robust responses.