Healthcare Worker Preparedness for Snakebite Management in Selected Zambian Hospitals: An Exploratory Study

Abstract Background Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected tropical disease and an important public health challenge in Zambia. Effective management of snakebite patients requires healthcare workers who are adequately trained, familiar with treatment protocols, and aware of national management guidelines. However, evidence regarding healthcare worker preparedness for snakebite management in Zambia remains limited. This study explored healthcare worker preparedness for snakebite management in selected hospitals in Zambia. Methods An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in seven hospitals in Zambia between collected between May and July 2025. Twenty-one healthcare workers, comprising senior clinicians, junior clinicians, and nurses, were purposively selected to participate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing training in snakebite management, clinical exposure to snakebite cases, confidence in management, use of local treatment protocols, and awareness of national snakebite management guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results Twenty-one healthcare workers participated in the study. Eight participants (38.1%) reported having received no training in snakebite management, while six (28.6%) reported receiving bedside training. Most participants had recent experience managing snakebite patients, with 66.7% reporting management of at least one snakebite case within the preceding year. Fifteen participants (71.4%) reported being very or exceptionally confident in managing snakebite patients. However, only six participants (28.6%) reported using local snakebite treatment protocols, while eight (38.1%) had seen the latest national snakebite management guidelines. Nearly half of participants reported not using local protocols and had never seen national guidelines. Conclusion The study identified important gaps in healthcare worker preparedness for snakebite management despite high levels of self-reported confidence. Limited formal training, poor guideline awareness, and low utilization of treatment protocols may affect the quality of snakebite care. Strengthening healthcare worker training and improving dissemination of national management guidelines should be prioritized as part of Zambia’s snakebite control efforts.