Practice of Wound Dressing among Nurses in Surgical Ward in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State

Abstract

This study assessed the practice of wound dressing among nurses in the surgical wards of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, utilizing a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 75 nurses were selected through convenience sampling to assess their adherence to standard wound care practices. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analysed through bivariate correlation procedures and Chi-Square tests. The results demonstrated significant associations across all hypotheses, with Chi-Square p-values consistently below 0.05. Specifically, the availability of resources and equipment was linked to wound dressing standards, evidenced by a p-value of 0.011 and a moderate Pearson correlation of 0.293. Additionally, barriers revealed a strong association (p = 0.000, Phi and Cramer's V both at 0.694), indicating that obstacles faced by nurses significantly impact care quality. Factors influencing practice standards also exhibited a significant relationship (p = 0.000, Phi and Cramer's V at 0.638). These findings highlight the critical role of resource availability, the presence of barriers, and influential factors in shaping the standards of wound care practices among nurses. To address the identified challenges, the study recommends enhancing resource allocation, increasing training opportunities, addressing time constraints, investing in specialized equipment, and supporting adherence to evidence-based practices. Continuous education and effective workload management strategies are also essential to improve the quality of wound care. By implementing these recommendations, healthcare institutions can better equip nurses to deliver optimal wound care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.