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Criminology of Medical Errors and Negligence: Prevalence and Consequences on Human Security in Zone a Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Criminology and security studies, Sociology
Abstract
Medical errors and negligence pose a significant threat to human security, resulting in unnecessary harm, injury, and even death, yet the prevalence and consequences of these errors in Nigerian health facilities remain poorly understood. This study examined the prevalence and consequences of medical errors and negligence in public and private health facilities in Zone A Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria. Using the Theory of Unintended Consequences, this mixed-methods study employed a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select participants from 5 public health facilities and 12 private hospitals across 3 Local Government Areas. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to reveal that medical errors occur in both private and public health facilities, with a higher prevalence in public health facilities. Factors responsible for the high prevalence of medical errors in public health facilities include lack of qualified healthcare personnel and high costs associated with surgical operations. The study recommends urgent attention to address staffing shortages, weeding out quack medical personnel, and holding doctors accountable for their absence from work. The findings of this study have significant implications for human security, highlighting the need for improved healthcare delivery and accountability in Nigeria.
Keywords
Criminology of Medical Errors, negligence, Prevalence, Consequences, Human Security
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1708956,
author = {Iorkosu Tyover Samuel, Afatakpa Onoseme Fortune},
title = {Criminology of Medical Errors and Negligence: Prevalence and Consequences on Human Security in Zone a Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {358-371},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708956.pdf},
abstract = {Medical errors and negligence pose a significant threat to human security, resulting in unnecessary harm, injury, and even death, yet the prevalence and consequences of these errors in Nigerian health facilities remain poorly understood. This study examined the prevalence and consequences of medical errors and negligence in public and private health facilities in Zone A Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria. Using the Theory of Unintended Consequences, this mixed-methods study employed a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select participants from 5 public health facilities and 12 private hospitals across 3 Local Government Areas. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to reveal that medical errors occur in both private and public health facilities, with a higher prevalence in public health facilities. Factors responsible for the high prevalence of medical errors in public health facilities include lack of qualified healthcare personnel and high costs associated with surgical operations. The study recommends urgent attention to address staffing shortages, weeding out quack medical personnel, and holding doctors accountable for their absence from work. The findings of this study have significant implications for human security, highlighting the need for improved healthcare delivery and accountability in Nigeria.},
keywords = {Criminology of Medical Errors, negligence, Prevalence, Consequences, Human Security},
month = {June},
}