FACTORS INFLUENCING MEDICATION ERRORS AMONG NURSES INCLINICAL SETTINGS OF SECONDARY HEALTH FACILITIES IN THENORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Medication errors remain a major challenge in healthcare delivery, compromising patient safety and quality of care. This study examined the factors influencing medication errors among nurses in secondary health facilities in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the influence of nurse-related, institutional, and workplace/environmental factors on the occurrence of medication errors. A descriptive crosssectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from 186 registered nurses using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents’ characteristics and perceptions, while Pearson correlation analysis tested the relationships between independent variables and medication errors at a 0.05 significance level. The results indicated that all three categories of factors: nurse-related, institutional, and workplace/environmental had significant positive relationships with medication errors. Fatigue, inadequate knowledge, poor adherence to protocols, inadequate staffing, weak supervision, poor communication, high workload, and workplace distractions were identified as key contributors to errors. The study concludes that medication errors are multifactorial and arise from the interaction of individual, organizational, and environmental factors. It is recommended that interventions such as continuous nurse training, workload management, improved supervision, effective communication, technological support, and a supportive work environment be implemented to reduce medication errors and enhance patient safety.