Research Article - Current Pediatric Research (2023) Volume 27, Issue 1

Assessment of nurses' performance regarding decubitus ulcer prevention for hospitalized children

Background: Decubitus ulcer is a common and highly pertinent professional care issue in hospitals associated with physical and psychological suffering, increased morbidity and mortality rate and higher costs for health care institution worldwide.

Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses' performance regarding decubitus ulcer prevention for hospitalized children.

Methodology: Design: A descriptive research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: This study was conducted at the pediatric intensive care unit affiliated to Beni-Suef university hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 50 nurses was included in the study.

Tools: Two tools were used to collect the data: The 1st tool: A structured knowledge questionnaire sheet, to assess nurses’ knowledge regarding decubitus ulcer. The 2nd tool: Observational checklist format, to assess nurses’ practices regarding decubitus ulcer prevention.

Results: The study findings showed that, 82% of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of total knowledge. Also, 96% of the studied nurses had incompetent level of total practices.

Conclusion: In the light of the study findings, it can be concluded that, more than four fifth of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of total knowledge regarding decubitus ulcer and the most of them had incompetent level of total practices regarding decubitus ulcer prevention for hospitalized children. Meanwhile, there was a statistically significant relation between nurses' total level of knowledge and their age and previous attendance of training courses about decubitus ulcer. In addition, there was a statistically significant relation between nurses' total level of practices and their age, education, years of experience and previous attendance of training courses about decubitus ulcer. Also, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between nurses’ total level of knowledge and their total level of practices.

Recommendations: Periodic educational programs for nurses in relation to decubitus ulcer prevention are necessary to improve their performance regarding decubitus ulcer prevention for hospitalized children.

Author(s): Souzan Azmy Taha Ahmed*, Seham Mohammed Elmwafie, Safaa Salah Ismail

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