NURSES

Workplace abuse of nurses by patients and their relatives is a growing concern, affecting job performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study assessed the factors influencing the abuse of nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ugbowo, Benin City. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of abuse
experienced by nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 nurses selected through a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and 251 responses were deemed valid, giving a response rate of 97.2%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with results presented in tables and figures. The study found that verbal abuse was the most common form of abuse, experienced by 71% of respondents. Other reported forms of abuse included emotional distress (59%), workplace bullying (53%), and rude or dismissive behavior (66%). Physical assault (37%), unwanted sexual harassment (42%), and stalking (31%) were less frequently reported. Factors contributing to abuse included patient frustration due to delayed medical attention (mean = 3.1), lack of understanding of hospital policies (mean = 3.0), and emotional distress of patient relatives (mean = 3.2). Patients with psychiatric conditions, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those with severe pain were more likely to abuse nurses. Abuse of nurses in UBTH is prevalent, with verbal and emotional abuse being the most reported. Factors such as patient frustration, unrealistic expectations, and poor communication contribute to these incidents. There is a need for hospital management to implement stricter policies against abuse, provide conflict resolution training for nurses, and improve communication between healthcare workers and patients’ relatives. Additionally, security measures should be strengthened to ensure a safer work environment for nurses.

This study explored the utilization and perceived clinical effectiveness of honey in burn wound management among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Burn injuries pose significant challenges in clinical care, particularly in resource-limited settings where affordable and accessible treatment options are essential. Honey, with its antibacterial and wound-healing properties, has been increasingly recognized as a viable alternative. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and a convenience sampling technique was used to select 258 nurses. Of these, 249 completed the questionnaire correctly, yielding a response rate of 96.5%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Findings revealed that 67.5% of nurses had personally used honey in burn wound care, and 72.3% reported observing its use in clinical practice. A total of 61.0% indicated that they initiated the use of honey even without prior doctor approval, while 65.8% used it when conventional materials were unavailable. Only 34.1% of respondents reported receiving formal training on the use of honey in wound care, and just 29.7% stated that their departments had standard protocols for its use. Overall, the utilization of honey was rated high, with a grand mean score of 2.6 (cutoff = 2.5). On perceived clinical effectiveness, 74.3% of nurses believed honey facilitatesfaster wound healing, 70.2% agreed it reduces the risk of infection, and 66.7% reported it helps alleviate pain. A grand mean of 2.7 indicated a high perception of honey’s clinical effectiveness. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a substantial level of honey utilization and positive perception of its effectiveness among nurses at UBTH. The study recommends integrating honey-based protocols into standard practice, expanding training programs, and conducting further clinical trials to reinforce its evidence-based application in wound care