Cognitive knowledge of nursing students about surgical site infection: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.9789/2175-5361.rpcfo.v18.14578Keywords:
Surgical site infection, Nursing students, Knowledge, Evidence-based nursing, Nursing educationAbstract
Objective: to assess the level of knowledge of undergraduate nursing students regarding surgical site infection. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 182 nursing students selected through systematic probabilistic sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of 14 dichotomous statements (KR-20 = 0.84), with a maximum possible score of 14 points, categorized as satisfactory knowledge (≥12 correct answers) and unsatisfactory knowledge (<12). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, adopting a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.. Results: students in advanced semesters showed a higher rate of satisfactory knowledge (88.5%) compared with those in early semesters (76.8%), with statistically significant differences (p = 0.037), particularly in items related to post-discharge surveillance, prolonged hospitalization, and biosafety. Conclusion: academic progression was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving satisfactory knowledge scores. The main areas with lower correct response rates, which require greater attention and reinforcement during undergraduate education, were the use of prophylactic antimicrobials and post-discharge surveillance.
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