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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Knowledge level of nurses in Jordan on ventilator-associated pneumonia and preventive measures
Zeinab M Hassan1, Moayad A Wahsheh2
1School of Nursing, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
Background:
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most prevalent infection in Intensive Care Units, with the highest mortality rate; crude mortality rates may be as high as 20-75%. Many practices such as prevention measures (e.g. hand washing, wearing gloves, suctioning, elevated head of bed between 30° and 45°) have demonstrated an effect of reducing the incidence of this infection.
Aims:
To identify the level of nurses' knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia and prevention measures before an educational programme, identify the level of nurses' knowledge on ventilator-associated pneumonia and prevention post an educational programme and identify the reasons for not applying ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention measures among nurses in Jordan.
Design:
Pre- and post-intervention observational study.
Method:
Data based on a self-reported questionnaire from 428 nurses who worked in intensive care units were analysed. PowerPoint lectures, videos, printed materials and electronic materials were used in the intervention. Paired t-tests were used to test research questions.
Results:
More than three-quarters of nurses had a low knowledge level regarding pathophysiology, risk factors and ventilator-associated pneumonia preventative measures. Nurses showed significant improvements in mean scores on the knowledge level of ventilator-associated pneumonia and prevention measures after an educational programme (p < 0.05). The main reasons for not applying prevention measures were the lack of time and no followed protocols in the units.
Conclusion:
Health education programmes about ventilator-associated pneumonia must be conducted among nurses in Jordan through continuous education.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Hospital and nursing administrators should be actively involved in educational programmes and in assuring support for continuing education. Protocol for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention should be developed based on current evidence-based guidelines.
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