KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BARRIERS IN NURSES TOWARDS PREVENTION MEASURES OF PRESSURE ULCERS

Abstract

Objective: To identify the level of knowledge, attitude and barriers in nursing staff working in adult in patient services towards prevention measures of pressure ulcers. Material and Methods: Quantitative, descriptive and transversal study conducted in a hospital of Social Security, in a sample of 119 nurses and nursing assistants who work with adult patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. For data collection three self-filled questionnaires were applied: “Knowledge Rating of the pressure ulcers prevention”(PUKAT); “Attitude towards prevention of pressure ulcers” (APuP) and a section of barriers to prevention and intervention. The guidelines about informed consent and risks for research in Mexico were complied. Results: 56.63 % of correct answers were identified,
which showed a low awareness towards prevention measures. Positive attitude was shown, with a mean of 40.10. The barriers identified in prevention were “lack of staff” (81.51%), “uncooperative patients” (67.22%), “lack of time” (64.70%); and in intervention: “lack of helpers for mobilization” (91.59%), “lack of nurses” (80.67%) and “lack of time” (72.26%). Conclusions: Nurses and nursing assistants showed low knowledge, but showed positive attitude, nursing staff working in ICU and internal medicine showed a better attitude, and the main identified barriers in the study are a lack of nurses, time and personnel that assist in the mobilization.