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.

This study looks at how ready healthcare workers are to prevent and respond to diphtheria, a serious but preventable infectious disease, in Kano State, Nigeria. Diphtheria spreads easily from person to person and can be deadly, especially for children, if it is not detected and treated early. Because doctors, nurses, and other health workers are the first people to see and treat patients during outbreaks, their knowledge, safety practices, and readiness are very important.

The researchers asked over 400 healthcare workers questions about diphtheria—how it spreads, how to protect themselves and patients, and how prepared their workplaces are to handle an outbreak. The findings showed that about half of the health workers did not have good knowledge of diphtheria, and more than half did not consistently follow good infection prevention and control practices, such as proper use of protective equipment and hygiene measures. Although many individual health workers felt personally prepared to respond to an outbreak, most health facilities lacked important supplies, plans, and systems needed for a strong response.

The study highlights a clear message: improving training, supplies, and preparedness in health facilities—especially in primary healthcare centers—will better protect health workers, patients, and communities, and help stop future diphtheria outbreaks more effectively.