KNOWLEDGE AND COMPLIANCE OF ICU NURSES WITH CENTRAL LINE-ASSOCIATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTION PREVENTION GUIDELINES
Keywords:
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection, CLABSI, Intensive Care Unit, Nurses, Knowledge, Attitude, Adherence, Evidence-Based Guidelines, Infection Prevention, Pakistan.Abstract
Background: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is one of the most preventable healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units (ICUs). Nurses play a pivotal role in preventing CLABSI through adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Assessing nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and adherence is essential for identifying gaps that may affect patient safety.
Aim: To assess ICU nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) at Services Hospital, Lahore.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 ICU nurses selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and validated measures of knowledge, attitude, and adherence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and study variables, while Chi-square and Pearson's correlation tests were applied. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.
Results: Among the participants, 47.5% demonstrated good knowledge, 57.5% had a positive attitude, and 47.5% reported high adherence to evidence-based CLABSI prevention guidelines. Knowledge was significantly associated with educational qualification (p = .015), ICU experience (p = .015), and previous CLABSI training (p = .006). Attitude was significantly associated with previous CLABSI training (p = .014). Adherence was significantly associated with ICU experience (p = .009) and previous CLABSI training (p = .004).
Conclusion: ICU nurses demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate to high adherence toward evidence-based CLABSI prevention. Continuous competency-based education, regular infection prevention training, and supportive institutional strategies are recommended to enhance adherence and improve patient safety.
