KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF NURSES REGARDING PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION AMONG BED RIDDEN PATIENTS
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Assistant Professor, Nursing Department University of Chenab Gujrat Pakistan
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Principal, Nursing Department University of Chenab Gujrat Pakistan
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Post RN Student, Nursing Department University of Chenab Gujrat Pakistan
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4Post RN Student, Nursing Department University of Chenab Gujrat Pakistan
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Post RN Student, Nursing Department University of Chenab Gujrat Pakistan.
Received: 2025-11-03
Revised: 2025-11-18
Accepted: 2025-12-10
Published: 2025-12-30
Background: Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, remain one of the most common and preventable complications among bedridden patients in healthcare settings. They are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear forces, particularly over bony prominences such as the sacrum, heels, elbows, and hips Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital, Gujrat, over four months (August–November 2025) to assess nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding pressure ulcer prevention among bedridden patients. A total of 80 registered nurses providing direct care to immobile patients, with at least six months of clinical experience, were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire comprising demographic information, a 22-item knowledge questionnaire, and a 22-item practice questionnaire, with scoring systems categorizing knowledge as poor, moderate, or good, and practices as inadequate, moderate, or adequate. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was maintained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, with frequencies and percentages calculated for categorical variables and knowledge and practice levels. Results: The study included 80 nurses, with the majority aged 21–30 years (52.5%) and slightly more males (57.5%) than females (42.5%). Most participants held a Post RN BScN qualification (55.0%) and had less than one year of clinical experience (43.8%). Assessment of knowledge regarding pressure ulcer prevention revealed that over half of the nurses (56.3%) had poor knowledge, 37.5% had moderate knowledge, and only 6.3% demonstrated good knowledge. Knowledge levels were significantly associated with age (p = 0.020), educational qualification (p = 0.002), and clinical experience (p = 0.008). In terms of practice, most nurses (81.3%) demonstrated moderate practices, while 18.8% showed adequate practices, and none had inadequate practices, indicating that although practical adherence was generally acceptable, knowledge gaps were evident. Conclusion: The study concluded that nurses generally demonstrated moderate practices in pressure ulcer prevention, but their knowledge was largely inadequate. Strengthening educational interventions is essential to improve nurses’ understanding and enhance patient care outcomes.