ABSTRACT

Pressure sores, also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores, pose significant healthcare challenges for individuals with limited mobility or prolonged bed rest. The objective of this research was to assess the knowledge and application of treatment methods for pressure ulcers among nurses at a tertiary healthcare facility in Edo State. The study utilized a cross-sectional design and employed a simple random sampling method to select 253 registered nurses from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Data collection was carried out through self-administered questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that 63% of the nurses possessed a solid understanding of treatment methods for pressure ulcers, whereas 37% lacked sufficient knowledge. Regarding the use of these treatment methods, 60% of the nurses exhibited a high level of utilization, compared to 40% who showed a low level of utilization. Factors influencing knowledge and utilization were identified, with lack of awareness, poor staffing, poor learning/training, and poor patient outcomes being the most significant factors. Patient preference was also considered influential, while cost and nurses' perception had a low influence. In terms of hypothesis testing, the study explores the relationship between nurses' knowledge of treatment modalities and their utilization in pressure sore management. The findings indicate that there is no statistically significant association between nurses' knowledge levels, categorized as "Good" or "Poor," and their utilization of treatment modalities (χ2 = 0.276, p = 0.599). This suggests that, within the context of this study, nurses' knowledge does not directly impact their use of treatment modalities. The study highlights the complexity of healthcare practices and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and training for nurses in pressure sore management. Future research should focus on exploring context-specific factors that influence nurses' choices in pressure sore management, as the relationship between knowledge and practice may vary in different healthcare settings.