Scientific Paper Entitled: Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management in The Government Health Sector in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Nurses play a crucial role in providing quality care to patients, and their competence significantly impacts patient outcomes. Adequate knowledge and positive attitudes are essential for the early detection, prevention, and management of pressure ulcers.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. The study was conducted in the government of health sector in Saudi Arabia on nurses.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed to conveniently sample 50 practicing nurses. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 50 nurses consented to participate in the study. The findings revealed that the nurses had good levels of knowledge (n = 35; 70%), positive attitudes (n = 39; 78%), and appropriate practices (n = 47; 94%) regarding the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. No statistically significant association was found between demographic variables and the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study concludes that nurses in the government of health sector have adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices related to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. This suggests that these nurses are competent in managing pressure ulcers in the clinical setting.

Contribution: The findings of this study contribute to bridging the gap in the implementation of standard operating procedures for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers among nurses in the government of health sector.