A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NURSES’ CAPACITY FOR EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE AND THEIR WORKPLACE RESILIENCE AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The health of the global population is significantly challenged during public health emergencies. One of the most critical threats arises from the outbreak of infectious diseases that tend to spread rapidly and last for extended periods, posing complex challenges to healthcare delivery and treatment (Kang, Jing, Liu & Liu, 2019). Healthcare workers have played a crucial role in combating these diseases and improving public health outcomes (Skoglund, Åhlman, Mallin & Holmgren, 2024). However, prolonged epidemics have underscored a troubling disparity between the growing number of patients and the limited availability of healthcare personnel, as seen in crises like the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Shaw, Flott, Fontana, Durkin & Darzi, 2020). To address this challenge, Nigeria implemented a national strategy that incorporates military healthcare workers to bolster medical staff support. Nonetheless, the high infection rates among healthcare providers, especially nurses, have intensified their psychological burden and made their duties even more demanding. Throughout the two-year pandemic, respiratory viruses have undergone various mutations, complicating infection control efforts. Additionally, winter seasons typically see a spike in outpatient and emergency cases due to the increased prevalence of respiratory infections (Dzau & Yadav, 2023). Frontline nurses are particularly exposed to the risk of infection while managing outbreaks of respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate how effectively military and civilian healthcare personnel are equipped to respond to large-scale public health emergencies. Previous epidemic experiences have allowed many nurses to develop emergency response skills and gain valuable expertise. However, high levels of stress and burnout can hinder their performance and slow the growth of these capabilities. These challenges also make it difficult for hospital administrators to retain skilled nursing staff. The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues such as nurse burnout and high turnover rates, which negatively affect both hospital finances and the quality of patient care. Compared to other healthcare workers, nurses often experience the highest levels of work-related stress and emotional exhaustion during infectious disease outbreaks. If left unaddressed, this can lead to both mental and physical health issues (Kambhampati et al., 2020). As such, healthcare leadership must urgently develop and implement effective strategies to support nurses’ mental well-being. Resilience is one such protective factor that helps nurses manage occupational stress and maintain positive outcomes. Studies have shown that resilient nurses are less likely to experience fatigue and are better equipped to adapt in difficult situations (Kambhampati et al., 2020). However, most research on resilience focuses on individual psychological traits and does not sufficiently explore how nurses actively adapt in real workplace adversity. Workplace resilience can be viewed as a dynamic and multifaceted process, involving emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and environmental self-regulation. It is shaped not only by personal characteristics but also by interpersonal and organizational influences. These adaptive mechanisms help healthcare workers maintain their health and continue functioning effectively in stressful conditions (Delgado, Roche, Fethney & Foster, 2020). Early observations during the pandemic highlighted that nurses found their workplaces to be a major source of stress. This points to the importance of fostering workplace resilience through targeted interventions, which are not only beneficial to nurses but also cost-effective for the organization. Focusing on workplace resilience enables hospital managers to strengthen their teams’ capacity to respond effectively to public health crises. In this context, the current study seeks to explore the relationship between nurses' workplace resilience and their capacity to respond to public health emergencies at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Healthcare systems across the globe are facing increasing pressure due to the rising frequency and complexity of public health emergencies, including pandemics, natural disasters, and bioterrorism. Nurses, as frontline healthcare workers, play a vital role in emergency response. However, their ability to respond effectively to such crises is influenced by several factors, including their preparedness and the level of resilience they maintain in the workplace (Smith et al., 2020). Research by Jones and Clark (2021) suggests that insufficient emergency response capacity can lead to suboptimal patient care, heightened stress levels among healthcare workers, and further strain on health systems. A nurse’s resilience—especially their ability to maintain professional performance during a crisis—has been identified as a major determinant of how well they respond to emergencies (Brown & McKay, 2019). Factors such as access to resources, training, and institutional support can significantly affect a nurse’s capability during such events. Despite the critical importance of resilience, there is limited empirical research, especially in under-resourced settings, that examines how workplace resilience correlates with nurses’ emergency response capacity (Davis & Lee, 2022). Addressing this research gap is essential for improving emergency preparedness and patient outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between workplace resilience and nurses' capacity to respond to public health emergencies at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. 1.3 Objective of the Study The main objective of this research is to investigate the correlation between nurses’ emergency public health response capacity and workplace resilience at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. The specific objectives are: i. To evaluate the level of emergency public health response capacity among nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. ii. To examine how workplace resilience affects nurses' ability to manage public health crises at the hospital. iii. To determine the correlation between emotional resilience and nurses' performance during public health emergencies at the hospital. iv. To recommend practical strategies for enhancing both workplace resilience and emergency public health response capacity among nurses at the hospital. 1.4 Research Questions The following research questions will guide the study: i. What is the current level of emergency public health response capacity among nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital? ii. How does workplace resilience impact nurses’ ability to manage public health crises in the hospital? iii. Is there a measurable correlation between emotional resilience and nurses’ performance during public health emergencies? iv. What strategies can be recommended to strengthen workplace resilience and emergency response capacity among nurses at the hospital? 1.5 Significance of the Study The findings of this study will be valuable to policymakers and hospital administrators by highlighting the importance of investing in resilience training and emergency preparedness for nurses. Such efforts will help ensure more effective and coordinated responses to future public health challenges. Furthermore, this study contributes to academic knowledge by expanding the literature on workplace resilience in healthcare, enriching educational resources, and providing a reference for future research in similar fields. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study is focused on examining the relationship between nurses’ emergency response capacity and workplace resilience at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. Empirically, it will explore the extent of public health emergency preparedness among nurses, the influence of workplace resilience on their crisis management abilities, the role of emotional resilience, and propose relevant strategies for improvement. Geographically, the study is limited to nurses working at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with many academic endeavors, the researcher encountered a few challenges during this study: Time Constraint: Balancing the demands of academic coursework and lectures with the research process proved to be difficult. Financial Constraints: Expenses related to printing, data collection, and sourcing of materials placed a strain on the researcher’s budget. Limited Literature: Due to the specificity of the topic, accessing adequate and relevant literature presented a notable challenge. 1.8 Definition of Terms Emergency Public Health Response Capacity: Refers to nurses’ ability to effectively manage and respond to urgent public health issues such as outbreaks and disasters. This includes their knowledge, skills, and preparedness. Workplace Resilience: The capacity of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, to adapt to stressful situations and maintain high performance during crises. Organizational Support: The policies, tools, and mental health resources provided by healthcare institutions to help staff perform optimally. Resource Availability: The presence and accessibility of essential tools, equipment, and personnel required to effectively manage emergencies. Professional Training: Programs and simulations designed to equip nurses with the competencies needed for public health emergency situations. Stress Management Programs: Initiatives aimed at helping healthcare workers cope with the emotional and psychological pressures of their work. Emotional Resilience: A nurse’s ability to regulate emotions, stay positive, and recover from stress during and after challenging events.