Effects of Education About Prevention of Pressure Ulcer on Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcer is a significant healthcare problem throughout the world. Nurse educators should take the responsibility for students' improving knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding prevention of Pressure ulcer and allocate sufficient time to teach them by using various teaching methods. In this study we evaluate effects of education about prevention of pressure ulcer on knowledge and attitudes of nursing students. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a control group and a posttest. The study population comprised of 96 second-year nursing students at a university in Middle Anatolia Region of Turkey. The study sample included 84 second year nursing students, of whom 42 were assigned into an intervention group and 42 were assigned into a control group. The intervention group was offered education for two hours weekly for four weeks. Data collection between April and May in 2019. The statistics program SPSS 22 packaged software was used in the analyses of data. Results: There was not a significant difference in sociodemographic features between the intervention and control groups. The groups significantly differed in their total scores for attitudes to prevention of pressure ulcer (p < 0.05). The intervention group got a significantly higher mean score for knowledge about prevention of pressure ulcer (63.00 +/- 16.71) than the control group (39.35 +/- 9.77) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The control group had lower scores for knowledge and attitudes about prevention, evaluation and management of pressure ulcer. Educators should revise the content of the national nursing curriculum about pressure ulcer and update their learning material and lectures in accordance with national and international guidelines.