Evaluation of surgical nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention

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BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are an indicator of healthcare quality. The knowledge and attitudes of nurses are important in the prevention of pressure ulcers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of surgical nurses regarding the prevention of pressure ulcers. DESIGN: The research is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. SETTING: The study was conducted at a university hospital in Turkey between May and November 2022. PARTICIPANTS: The research population consisted of 310 nurses working in the surgical clinic and intensive care units of a university hospital. METHODS: The study included 203 nurses. Data were collected between May 2022 and November 2022 using the "Descriptive Information Form", the "Knowledge Towards Pressure Ulcers Prevention Scale", and the "Attitude Towards Pressure Ulcers Prevention Scale". The data analysis utilized frequency, percentage, mean, independent groups t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The knowledge levels of surgical nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention were inadequate. Nurses had a positive attitude towards preventing pressure ulcers; however, this positive attitude was not at a satisfactory level. The nurses' knowledge level was a predictor of their positive attitude. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that surgical nurses had insufficient knowledge about preventing pressure ulcers and exhibited a positive attitude that was not at the desired level.