Clinical nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding incontinence-associated dermatitis: A cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Dermatology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a prevalent issue in clinical settings.
• Understanding nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is crucial for effective IAD management.
• A significant gap often exists between healthcare professionals' attitudes and their actual practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current KAP status of clinical nurses in China concerning IAD.
• To identify factors influencing nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to IAD.
• To inform strategies for improving IAD prevention and care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,153 clinical nurses in a tertiary hospital in Fujian Province, China.
• Nurses completed a questionnaire assessing their IAD-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
• Demographic and professional data were collected to identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Nurses demonstrated positive attitudes (75.4%) but had insufficient knowledge (70.6% score) and inadequate practices (69.9% score).
• Key knowledge deficits were observed in IAD care products and assessment tools.
• Factors influencing KAP included job position, W/O/I team membership, department, W/O/I training participation, gender, and work experience.

Conclusions:

• A notable attitude-practice gap exists among Chinese clinical nurses regarding IAD.
• Targeted educational interventions focusing on IAD assessment tools and care products are needed.
• Strategies should include promoting W/O/I team construction, encouraging rotation in high-incidence departments, and optimizing continuing education.