Determination of Association Between the Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses to Pressure Ulcer Prevention

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the nurses’ level of knowledge and attitudes toward prevention Main title Can you make a larger font? (Like Introduction)of pressure sores.
METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2018 with 164 nurses working in a state hospital in Lefkoşa, Kıbrıs. All nurses who accept to participate in the study are taken into analysis. The data were collected by using “Nurse Identification Form,”“Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument,” and “Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool.” One-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and Pearson correlation test were used for data analysis.
RESULTS: It was found that the mean age of the nurses was 32.5 ± 3.41, and 65.2% did not receive any training for pressure ulcers. The total score of the Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument was 35.14 ± 3.55 (67%) and the level of knowledge was found to be partially sufficient. It was found that the nurses who participated in the study had positive attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention in general. According to the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool, the knowledge level of the participants was found to be partially sufficient. In addition, there was a positive and good correlation between the mean scores of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool and Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (r =0.75,P <.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was determined that knowledge level of nurses to prevent pressure ulcer was not sufficient and attitude scores were low. It was suggested that nurses should take information-raising initiatives and wound care nurses should be trained for counseling.