Asessing the Nurses Knowledge and Practice Regarding Prevention of Surgical Site Infection
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Background: Nurses contribute to surgical site infection (SSI) prevention, but knowledge and reported preventive practices may vary across clinical activities. Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge and self-reported practices regarding SSI prevention at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2024 among 37 conveniently sampled staff nurses aged 20–30 years. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge using 10 multiple-choice items, and practice using 10 five-point frequency items. Frequencies and percentages summarized categorical findings. The age–practice association was examined using a two-sided Fisher’s exact test and an unadjusted conditional odds ratio (OR) with an exact 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Moderate knowledge was reported in 20 nurses (54.1%), good knowledge in 15 (40.5%), and poor knowledge in two (5.4%). Thirty nurses (81.1%) were classified as having good self-reported practice. Correct responses were lowest for wound-dressing timing (16.2%) and SSI diagnosis (37.8%). Good practice was reported in 91.3% of nurses aged 22–25 years and 64.3% aged 25–30 years (OR 5.53; 95% CI 0.74–68.42; p = 0.080). Conclusion: Knowledge and self-reported preventive practices were uneven, with specific gaps in wound-dressing timing and SSI recognition. These findings identify areas for local assessment without establishing observed adherence or effects on infection outcomes
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