Occupational Health Hazards and Management Practices Among Nurses in Public Healthcare Facilities in Four Sub‐Sahara African Countries: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Nurses in sub‐Sahara Africa are disproportionately exposed to occupational health hazards. These risks are intensified by persistent shortages of resources, inadequate training, weak reporting systems and fragile safety infrastructures, all of which undermine nurses’ well‐being and compromise the quality of healthcare delivery. Purpose The aim of this study was to map the existing evidence on practices for managing occupational health hazards among nurses in public healthcare facilities in four sub‐Sahara African countries: Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia and Uganda. Methods A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five‐stage methodological framework and reported following the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Comprehensive research was performed across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, SpringerLink and Wiley, supplemented with grey literature and WHO/ILO resources. Fourteen studies published between 2017 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Results The study identified four overarching themes: occupational health hazards in healthcare facilities, nursing workforce challenges, nursing health and lifestyle, and emergency preparedness. These themes collectively demonstrate the wide spectrum of risks to which nurses are exposed, the systemic deficiencies that heighten their vulnerability, the adverse consequences for their health and well‐being, and the insufficient readiness of health systems to respond effectively to public health crises. Conclusion The findings confirm that nurses in sub‐Sahara Africa are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards that compromise their safety and professional sustainability. Although interventions such as PPE provision, ergonomic training and infection control measures exist, their implementation remains fragmented. Strengthening occupational health and safety policies, enhancing resource allocation, institutionalizing continuous professional training and developing resilient preparedness frameworks are essential to protect nurses and reinforce healthcare system resilience in the region. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing leadership must prioritize occupational health and safety through adequate staffing, reliable PPE provision, continuous training and effective reporting systems to protect nurses and strengthen healthcare system resilience.