Management of Typhoid Fever in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Practice

Monday, 7 July 2008
Mercy I. Ebosie, RN, BSN, MSN , Nursing, Atlantic Regional Medical Center, Pomona, NJ

Learning Objective 1: identify the countries where typhoid fever is endemic

Learning Objective 2: narrate three ways in which health care personnel in developed countries can help those in developing countries learn and use evidence-based practices.

Abstract

Introduction: Typhoid fever is a major problem within developing countries especially those of the Sub-Saharan region. The causes of this deadly fever are centered in the widely known epidemics of poverty that has engulfed theses nations, with no cure in site. Salmonella enterica serovar typhi, a gram negative pathogen is associated with poor sanitation and fecal contamination of food and water. Typhoid fever is characterized by a sustained fever as high as 40° C (104° F), profuse sweating, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea. Major complications include peritonitis, internal hemorrhages, liver and kidney failure.

Objective: To examine the methodologies of typhoid management and prevention in four local hospitals in Nigeria in this era of ‘evidence-based care. Method: Literatures were reviewed and compared with 22 typhoid cases managed in four local government hospitals in Imo and Abia states of Nigeria

Result: Findings showed that appreciable gaps exist among the healthcare professional, in the use of evidence based knowledge. More than 75% of the nurses in these hospitals neither know nor use evidence base in their practices.

The 20% that have knowledge of evidence-based, Lack of resources is hindering them from putting their knowledge into practice

Conclusion: Developing countries are not using evidence-based practice because of lack of knowledge compounded by poverty. Given its effectiveness, efficiency and accountability in medical care, developed countries should assist developing countries in achieving this practice thereby reducing the global burden.

This poster will also examine the use of evidence based practice in prevention of typhoid fever.

Keywords: Typhoid fever, Poverty, Poor sanitation