Health workers' perception on the safety and security policy of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Health workers remain the panacea for hospital's performance in terms of service delivery and client satisfaction. However, the workers require quality environment for quality care to ensure client satisfaction .Thus, this study aims at determining the health workers' perception on the safety and security policy of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Using structured questionnaire and convenient sampling technique, data were collected from 250 hospital workers. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Info 3.2.2 (CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
Result: The minimum and maximum ages of the respondents were 21years and 60 years respectively. The mean, median and mode ages in the respondents were 34.6(±7.88) years, 33years, and 30 years respectively. Age group of 31-40 years had the highest frequency (30%). Majority of the study respondents were female (56.8%) while majority of the respondent (56%) had first degree as their educational level. Doctors (36%) formed majority of the respondents whereas Pharmacists (3.6%) accounted for the least. The respondents' perception on the policy that guarantees their safety and security at work was 37.2% (OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.24-0.51, P<0. 0001). Only 46% of the subjects accepted that the hospital has health, safety and security policy (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.5-1.05 P=0.074). Thirty-six percentages (36%) accepted that the policy covers hazard related to their work (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.22-0.46, P<0.0001). Majority of the Nurses, Pharmacists and non-clinical staff accepted that the hospital had health, safety and security policy. Only majority of the non-clinical staff accepted that the policy assured them of safety and security at work and also covered hazard related to their job.
Conclusion
The perception of health workers on the safety and security policy of the tertiary hospital was poor. Thus, there is need for a close look on the safety and security policy of the tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.