Cross-Sectional Assessment of the Safety Culture in the Public Health Sector of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

Different organizations explore ways to promote safety. A key reflection of the state of safety in an organization is the safety culture. This study was conducted to assess the safety culture in the public health sector of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Using a stratified random sampling technique, the data was gathered using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation. The findings from the study showed that the safety culture in the public health sector in Akwa Ibom State is moderate, with strengths in formal safety policies, rules, teamwork, and reporting mechanisms. However, there are significant weaknesses in training, incident learning, leadership communication, and maintaining a pressure-free work environment. This is indicative of gaps in practical implementation of some of the expectations for a positive safety culture. It also showcases limited demonstration of safety commitment by the leaders in the public health sector. The findings from the study align with common public sector challenges, such as limited budgets, bureaucratic delays, and limited manpower. By prioritizing training, incident analysis, and leadership communication, the organizations in the sector can enhance their safety culture and improve workers and patients’ safety. To drive positive safety culture in the public health sector, the researchers recommend enhancement of training programmes, strengthening of incident learning process, improvement in leadership communication, increase in number of workers to reduce job stress, involvement of workforce in safety programmes, sustenance of a culture of continuous improvement, and increased investment in healthcare sector by government and governmental agencies.