POST-TRAINING AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS ON AKI MANAGEMENT IN RIVERS STATE

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a significant public health issue, often resulting in adverse health outcomes. This study aims to assess the post-training awareness and practice of primary health care workers regarding AKI management in Rivers State, Nigeria. This research employed a cross-sectional study approach to assess the knowledge levels and practice of health care workers after targeted training sessions. The findings indicate a marked improvement in both awareness and practice of AKI management protocols among participants post-training. The majority (48%) of health care professionals were doctors. While the percentage of other health professionals that participated in this study were nurses (39%), community health officers (6%) and laboratory scientists (6%). Findings revealed that 84% health care professionals were trained on the management of AKI. Awareness of the risk stratification of AKI was indicated among 84% respondents, and 68% of the respondents utilized the AKI risk stratification. The result also indicated that 94% perform regular blood pressure checks, and 94% also perform routine urinalysis and protein checks on hypertension (HTN) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients, and most healthcare professionals (87%) performed routine glucose checks on hypertensive patients. Manpower issues, funding and lack of training were major reasons some respondents did not conduct routine blood pressure checks, urinalysis and protein checks on HTN and DM patients. Significant associations occurred between training on AKI management and awareness of AKI risk stratification (p<0.001), awareness of AKI risk stratification and usage of AKI risk stratification (p<0.001). Regular training programmes, onsite mentorship and tackling systemic barriers are therefore recommended to equip primary health workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage AKI, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in Rivers State