Assessment of Healthcare Workers' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Pressure injuries, often indicative of poor healthcare quality, cost the United States $3-$11 billion annually. After witnessing an increased incidence of pressure injuries at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria, we sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding the prevention and management of pressure injuries.

METHODS

The study was a cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses at the hospital. The survey was pretested before being distributed via WhatsApp. Our primary outcomes were sufficient/good knowledge, a positive attitude, and proper practice of pressure injury prevention and management. Our secondary outcomes were predictors of these primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 555 healthcare workers who received the survey, 172 (30.9%) responded, most of whom were nurses (85 [49.4%]). Sufficient knowledge was observed in 77.3% of respondents, with 31.4% demonstrating good knowledge. Despite a positive attitude in 48.8% of respondents, only 15.1% practiced proper pressure injury prevention. Respondents with sufficient knowledge were less likely to be residents, and those with good knowledge were more likely to be men. Proper practice was more common among women and nurses but less frequent among doctors. Lack of training and staff shortage were identified as barriers to a positive attitude toward pressure injury prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes regarding pressure injury prevention and management did not necessarily translate into proper management practices. Our study suggested a need for improved training programs that effectively translate knowledge into practice and address barriers to pressure injury prevention and management in resource-limited settings.