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

Ensuring epidemic preparedness is a critical responsibility of every sovereign nation. Every threat to health, particularly the spread of communicable diseases, constitutes a potential threat to human existence. Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are the first line of defense against disease outbreaks; however, their knowledge levels vary. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of and preparedness for the diphtheria epidemic among healthcare workers in Kano state, Nigeria, using a quantitative method.

This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 421 HCWs, who responded to a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the analysis at the 5% significance 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 sociodemographic predictors of knowledge of diphtheria were 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 outbreaks. However, facility preparedness for diphtheria response was found to be lacking, with 70.8% of facilities having poor preparations. Preparedness is vital for effective disease outbreak responses, necessitating collective efforts for robust future responses.