Knowledge of Nurses Regarding Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Diyala Governorate Hospitals

Ahmed K. Ahmed, Ahmed H. Radhi and Aqeel A. Noaman

Abstract

Pressure ulcer is localized damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear. The objective is to assess nurses' knowledge towards pressure ulcer prevention and management, and to identify the factors influencing their knowledge. The study is a cross-sectional study was conducted in Diyala governorate hospitals to evaluate nurses' knowledge regarding pressure ulcers using the PUKAT 2.0 instrument. A total of 252 nurses were selected through proportional random sampling over a five months period, from December 10, 2024, to May 1, 2025. Descriptive statistics were applied, and inferential tests—including the independent t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test—were used for data analysis via SPSS software (version 29.0), with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Nurses had a mean age of 28.9 ± 6.2 years, ranging from 20 to 49 years. Females represented 52.4% of the study sample. The majority held a diploma degree (57.1%) and had 1–4 years of work experience (50.8%). Regarding wards, the highest proportion (31.0%) worked in general wards. The overall satisfactory knowledge of nurses towards pressure ulcer prevention was 19.8%, n=50. The overall knowledge of nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention was found to be unsatisfactory. Most knowledge subthemes fell below the expected competency level. Only the subtheme concerning 'classification and observation' demonstrated an acceptable level of understanding.