Evaluating Intensive Care Nurses' Knowledge of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: A Multicenter Cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Dermatology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a prevalent issue in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Assessing and understanding nurses' knowledge is crucial for effective IAD prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge levels of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 296 nurses in Turkish ICUs.
• Data collected via a Nurse Identification Form and an IAD Knowledge Test.
• Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests.

Main Results:

• Nurses achieved an average correct response rate of 49.8% on the IAD knowledge test.
• Nurses in tertiary and general ICUs showed higher IAD knowledge.
• No significant correlations were found between age, career length, institution, or ICU type and IAD knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Intensive care nurses exhibit a low understanding of IAD.
• Recommendations include integrating IAD into critical care nursing education and promoting the use of IAD assessment scales.