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Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges in Deep Venous Thrombosis Prevention Among ICU Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hazel Novela Villagracia1, Reem Aladham Alruwaili2, Rico William A Villagracia1
1Medical Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia.
SAGE Open Nursing
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Intensive care unit nurses in Saudi Arabia show moderate knowledge and good practices for preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Improving education and support can enhance DVT prevention strategies in critical care.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Nursing
- Vascular Health
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Intensive care unit (ICU) patients face a high risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
- Effective DVT prevention is a critical nursing responsibility in ICUs.
- Limited evidence exists on DVT prevention knowledge and challenges among Saudi Arabian ICU nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge, practices, and challenges of ICU nurses in Saudi tertiary hospitals concerning DVT prevention.
- To identify factors influencing DVT prevention implementation in critical care settings.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study involving 89 ICU nurses.
- Data collected via self-administered questionnaires between March 17 and April 17, 2025.
- Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and frequency distributions.
Main Results:
- Nurses possessed moderate DVT prevention knowledge (62.2% score) and generally favorable practices (58.4% good practice).
- A significant positive association was found between DVT prevention knowledge and practice (r = 0.486, p < .001).
- Key challenges identified were knowledge gaps, mobilization barriers, resource limitations, and communication issues.
Conclusions:
- ICU nurses in Saudi Arabia exhibit moderate DVT prevention knowledge and favorable practices.
- Enhanced knowledge correlates with improved DVT prevention practices.
- Targeted educational interventions and organizational support are recommended to bolster DVT prevention in critical care.
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