PERCEIVED EFFECT OF NON-COMPLIANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY MEASURES AMONG WORKERS IN GENERAL HOSPITAL IN ONDO TOWN

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the perceived effect of non compliance with public health safety measures among workers in General Hospital in Ondo Town. Descriptive research of the survey type was adopted for this study. 455 respondents were sampled for the study (including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and hospital attendants) and were selected using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire validated by experts was used for data collection. Data were analysed using inferential statistics of Chi-square (χ²) at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study revealed the following: Biological hazards were significantly perceived as effects of non-compliance (Cal χ² = 207.03 > Tab χ² = 16.92); Chemical hazards were significantly perceived as effects of non-compliance (Cal χ² = 282.33 > Tab χ² = 16.92); Physical hazards were also significantly perceived as effects of non-compliance (Cal χ² = 282.33 > Tab χ² = 16.92). Based on these findings, it was concluded that health workers in Selected Hospitals in Ondo Town are at increased risk of exposure to various occupational hazards due to non-compliance with public health safety measures. It is therefore recommended that the hospital management should ensure strict enforcement of safety protocols, provide regular training on hazard prevention, and make personal protective equipment (PPE) readily available and mandatory for use. Establishing a strong culture of safety within the hospital will help safeguard health workers and enhance quality patient care.