Abstract:

Background: There has been growing public concern regarding the moral behaviours of healthcare professionals. Complaints of poor ethical conduct and rise in litigation against healthcare practitioners is not uncommon. All qualified, healthcare personnel are expected to have adequate knowledge of ethical practice and legal issues (ELI). This study aims to explore the knowledge and practice of ELI among nurses and doctors of Plateau state specialist hospital, Nigeria.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among eighty-nine nurses and doctors working in the study site who gave written consent. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of ethical and legal issues (ELI) and influencing factors was collected using a semi-structured, interviewer- administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The modal age group was 31-40 years (40.4%). About 15% of participants were doctors. Majority (94.4%) had heard about ELI. A greater number (78.7%) of indicated being faced with ethical problems on daily basics. Roughly 40% indicated that they have not had enough training on ELI. Lack of time (68.5%), not having mentors (82%), lack of knowledge (75.3%), lack of awareness (83.1%) and lack of motivation (82%) were major factors influencing proper ethical conduct and practice. There was no significant association between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of the participants.

Conclusion: There is need for continuing education on ELI in the study center. Medical ELI should be formulated to suit local context.

Keywords: Ethical, legal issues, knowledge, practice, doctors, nurses

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