Knowledge of pressure ulcers by undergraduate nursing students in Brazil

The purpose of this study was to examine Brazilian nursing students knowledge of pressure ulcers. Third- and fourth-year undergraduate baccalaureate students at a public university in Brazil (N = 83) were asked to provide demographic information, identify extracurricular activities (eg, reading journals and articles and using the Internet to enhance comprehension of pressure ulcer care), and complete the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test. Students correctly answered 67.7% of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test items. Students who participated in extracurricular activities and used the Internet had significantly higher Knowledge Test scores than those who did not. Readings did not significantly impact the Knowledge Test score. Generally, the students were found to have low pressure ulcer knowledge, but that educational programs and the Internet have the potential to positively impact nursing students knowledge of pressure ulcers.