The Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Urinary Catheterization and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Among Nursing Officers in Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Urinary catheterization is a common procedure done by nurses. Nurse are responsible for inserting urinary catheter, catheter care and removal. Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) is a common complication of the urinary catheterization. Nursing officers’, knowldge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding the insertion and care of urinary catheter are essential to reduce and prevent CAUTI. Objectives: To assess the KAP on urinary catheterization and CAUTI among nursing officers in Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK), Sri Lanka Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing officers in THK. Conveniently selected 400 nursing officers particpated in the study from medical, surgical and special units in THK. A self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. In the questionnaire, 15 questions assessed knowledge, 8 assessed the attitudes, and 9 assessed the practices. Scores for KAP were analysed. Results: Majority of participants were females 362 (90.5%). Among the nursing officers, 43.5% were belonged to 30-39 age category. There were 366 (90.15%) diploma holders. Among the participants, 293 (73.3%) had clinical experience of more than 10 years. Mean (±SD) knowledge score of the participants was 9.45 (±2.92). Majority of them, 297 (70.43%) had moderate knowledge. Mean (±SD) score of attitudes was 6.46 (±1.30) and majority of 246 (61.5%) had good attitudes. Mean (±SD) practice score was 7.56 (±1.53) and 337 (84%) of participants had good practice. Study results showed that age (p = 0.02) and experience (p = 0.002) have a significant association with knowledge. Only age (p = 0.04) had significant effect on attitude. It was found that practice has a significant effect with the gender (p = 0.03) and experience (p = 0.007). Conclusions: KAP for urinary catheterization and CAUTI is in a satisfactory level among nursing officers in THK. Age, experience and gender affected the KAP.