NURSES' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ELELE, RIVERS STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a significant patient safety concern and are widely regarded as a key indicator of the quality of nursing care in healthcare settings. This study examined nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pressure ulcer prevention among hospitalized patients at Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MUTH), Elele, Rivers State.
A quantitative descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population comprised 118 registered nurses working in various wards of MUTH. Using Taro Yamane's formula for sample size determination, 91 nurses were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured, validated questionnaire divided into four sections covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice towards pressure ulcer prevention. Reliability of the instrument was confirmed using the test-retest method with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.75. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0).
Findings revealed that the majority of nurses (78%) held a diploma in nursing and 98.9% had received some form of training on pressure ulcer prevention. However, the overall level of nurses' knowledge regarding pressure ulcer prevention was very low, particularly in the areas of risk assessment, skin care, nutrition, and management of mechanical loads. Nurses' attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention was found to be at a neutral level, while their practice was at a moderate level.
The study concluded that insufficiencies in knowledge and attitude among nurses at MUTH pose a risk to effective pressure ulcer prevention. It is therefore recommended that the hospital management institute regular in-service training, refresher courses, and evidence-based educational programs on pressure ulcer prevention for nurses. Hospital policies, clinical guidelines, and adequate staffing are further recommended to enhance nursing practice and improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Nurses, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Hospitalized Patients, Madonna University Teaching Hospital.
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