Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Barriers Towards Prevention of Pressure Ulcers in Critical Care Units

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcer occur when the force exerted on a specific area of the body exceeds the pressure that the capillaries in that area can handle. In some cases, even a relatively small amount of pressure can be enough to impede blood flow and reduce the delivery of oxygen to the surrounding tissues. This can lead to the development of a pressure ulcer in as little as two to six hours, particularly in patients who are seriously ill.Aims of the study: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and barriers among critical-care nurses on pressure ulcer prevention according to evidence-based guidelines Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design has been used in the current study The study has been carried out between the 1 st of November 2022 and the 1st of June 2023 to the assessment of nurses’ knowledge attitude and barriers toward pressure ulcers in critical care units at Al Najaf hospitals. A non-probability (purposive) sampling has been performed during a selection of (130) nurses who works at the intensive care unit The researcher used The researcher used self-administrated questionnaire used to assess nurses' level of knowledge regarding pressure ulcer prevention it included (30) items. The characteristics of the subjects under study included age, gender, level of education, years of experience, Education program on pressure ulcer prevention and Specific guideline regarding pressure ulcers. The attitudes and barriers questionnaire used the 5 points Likert’s scale model, however, the scoring system is not much different than the 3 points scales but the higher scores given to the more positive attitudes and high barriers. Results: The results of this study revealed that were significant differences in nursing staff' attitudes between the (age, educational level, and years of experience as a nurse). the overall level of knowledge of nurses about pressure ulcer prevention is fair level 66.9 % with mean of score (0.38) there are positive attitude among nurses about pressure ulcer toward their pressure ulcer prevention, with mean of score (3.42 >2.5). 98.5 % of nurses have positive attitudes. that the overall level of barriers of nurses about pressure ulcer prevention is high level 94.6 % with mean of score (3.6038).Conclusion: The majority of ICUs nursing staff' have fair knowledge, positive attitudes and high barriers regarding pressure ulcer prevention when assessed at the statistical analysis. Recommendations: The study recommended providing an interventional and education program periodically to the nursing staff' who working at ICUs in order to enhance their knowledge and attitudes regarding PU prevention.