An Examination of Nurses' Awareness and Prevention Strategies for Bedsores in Hospitalized Patients at Delta State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a common and preventable health issue that affects hospitalized patients, particularly those with limited mobility. These sores develop when prolonged pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to certain areas, leading to tissue damage (Miller et al., 2024). Despite being largely preventable through proper nursing care and positioning techniques, bedsores remain a significant concern in many healthcare settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that pressure ulcers continue to be a major health issue, with implications for patient health, hospital costs, and recovery times (WHO, 2023).
Effective prevention and management of bedsores require a combination of interventions, including regular repositioning of patients, adequate nutrition, skin care, and appropriate use of support surfaces (Lopes et al., 2024). Nurses play a critical role in this process, as they are the primary caregivers who ensure that these interventions are properly implemented. Nurses’ awareness of the risk factors for bedsores, as well as their ability to recognize early signs and intervene promptly, are essential in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients (Shah et al., 2023).
At Delta State University Teaching Hospital, the prevalence of bedsores among hospitalized patients remains a cause for concern. Limited research has focused on the awareness and prevention strategies employed by nurses in this setting, leaving a significant gap in understanding the challenges and successes of pressure ulcer management within the hospital. A study by Nwosu et al. (2023) highlights that nurses' knowledge, training, and attitudes are pivotal factors in the prevention of bedsores, but many healthcare facilities in Nigeria, including teaching hospitals, face challenges in providing comprehensive pressure ulcer care training. The lack of up-to-date knowledge on modern prevention and management strategies may contribute to suboptimal care and an increase in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
Addressing these gaps in knowledge and improving nursing practices are critical for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs related to the treatment of bedsores. By examining nurses’ awareness and prevention strategies in Delta State University Teaching Hospital, this study seeks to offer insight into the factors influencing care and identify areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Pressure ulcers represent a serious healthcare issue, especially for immobile hospitalized patients. In Delta State University Teaching Hospital, despite efforts to reduce hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, there is limited research on the specific awareness and preventive strategies employed by nurses. Without a comprehensive understanding of nurses' knowledge and practices regarding pressure ulcer prevention, it is difficult to develop targeted interventions or training programs to address the issue effectively. Existing studies have shown that gaps in knowledge and inconsistent preventive practices contribute to the persistence of bedsores in hospitals (Garcia et al., 2024). Furthermore, while nurses are essential to the prevention of bedsores, their roles and practices in this regard are often underexplored, particularly in Nigerian teaching hospitals.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess nurses' awareness of the risk factors and prevention strategies for bedsores at Delta State University Teaching Hospital.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies employed by nurses in preventing pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients.
- To identify the barriers to effective prevention and management of bedsores as perceived by nurses.
Research Questions
- What is the level of nurses' awareness regarding the risk factors for bedsores in hospitalized patients?
- How effective are the current prevention strategies for bedsores used by nurses at Delta State University Teaching Hospital?
- What are the challenges faced by nurses in preventing and managing bedsores in hospitalized patients?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at Delta State University Teaching Hospital have a low level of awareness regarding the risk factors for bedsores.
- The prevention strategies employed by nurses in Delta State University Teaching Hospital are ineffective in reducing the incidence of bedsores.
- There are significant barriers hindering the effective prevention and management of bedsores among hospitalized patients at the hospital.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in various wards within Delta State University Teaching Hospital, particularly those involved in the direct care of patients who are at risk for bedsores. The scope will include assessing their knowledge, awareness, and current prevention strategies. Limitations may include potential response biases in self-reported data and the exclusion of other healthcare professionals who also contribute to pressure ulcer prevention.
Definitions of Terms
- Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Areas of damaged skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, typically occurring over bony prominences.
- Awareness: The knowledge that nurses possess regarding the causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies for bedsores.
- Prevention Strategies: Interventions and practices aimed at preventing the development of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients, including repositioning, use of pressure-relieving devices, and proper skin care.
- Barriers: Factors that hinder nurses from effectively preventing or managing bedsores, including lack of resources, insufficient training, or time constraints.
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