Insights into pressure injury prevention: Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Palestinian nursing students

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Palestinian nursing students towards pressure injury prevention.

Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 455 nursing students recruited from Arab American University-Palestine, employing a total population sample. Data collection forms include socio-demographic information, the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool, Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument and Pressure Injury Preventive Practices scale.

Results: The study found that students had a mean knowledge score of 54% (14.04/26), a positive attitude score of 75.8% (39.42/52), and demonstrated a fair level of practice 75.3% (30.12/40). Significant differences were observed in the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice total scores, linked to academic year, clinical experience, and the number of attended departments during clinical training (p < 0.001). Additionally, weak but significant positive relationships were found between practice and attitude scores (r = 0.303, p < 0.001), practice and knowledge score (r = 0.211, p < 0.001), and a moderate positive significant relationship between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.567, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study revealed insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and somewhat unsafe practices among nursing students regarding pressure injury prevention. It highlights the need for specific revisions in the nursing curriculum. Improvements can be achieved through detailed coverage in classrooms and laboratories, integrating simulation methods. Additionally, ensuring that students gain adequate experiences in clinical units, with a specific emphasis on pressure injury prevention, is crucial for improving students' capability and contribute to better pressure injury management.