An exploration of fourth-year undergraduate nurses' knowledge of and attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention.
OBJECTIVE
To determine undergraduate nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention.


METHODS
A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used for this study. Ethical approval was received. A convenience sample of fourth-year undergraduate nurses was selected to participate (n=60). Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire.


RESULTS
Overall, the participants showed a positive attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention but displayed poor knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. Interestingly, having a high level of competency corresponded with having a positive attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention, but did not equate to possessing knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study suggest that fourth-year undergraduates have a positive attitude but lack adequate knowledge on the prevention of pressure ulcers.


BACKGROUND
There were no external sources of funding for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Tissue Viability Manager, Al Ain Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
E
E
Cullen Gill
Z
Z
Moore
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*