Knowledge, Attitude, Perceived Responsibilities, and Associated Factors Regarding Colostomy Care Among Nurses Working in Surgical Units at Amhara Region General and Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background

Colostomy is one of the commonest lifesaving procedures worldwide with aims of decompression of an obstructed colon or diversion of feces. Colostomy care is important to improve the quality of life of the patient, yet information is scarce concerning knowledge, attitude, and role of nurses on colostomy care in Ethiopia generally and in Amhara region specifically.

Objective

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, perceived responsibility, and associated factors regarding colostomy care among nurses working in surgical units at Amhara region general and referral hospitals, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional, mixed method study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2020 using a census method. The data were collected using semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and in-depth interview. Analytic schemes including bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed considering P-value < 0.05 to identify statistically significant factors. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic content analysis.

Results

In the current study, the adequate knowledge of nurses was found to be 40.4% (95% CI: 35.4–45.8). Clinical experience, colostomy care guidelines, gave care for colostomy patient, ever received colostomy care training, and read professional literature regularly were significantly associated with adequate knowledge. Favorable attitude of nurses was found to be 49.6% (95% CI: 45–54.5). Presence of colostomy care guidelines, gave care for colostomy patients, and adequate knowledge were significantly associated with favorable attitude. Nurses have a strong professional perception of caring for colostomy patients but lack of training, inadequate supplies, and lack of professional perquisite are barriers identified.

Conclusion

In the present study, nearly half of nurses had only adequate knowledge and favorable attitude, but the majority of nurses perceived their responsibilities towards colostomy care. Therefore, taking part in care, developing guidelines, providing training and fulfilling nurses’ perquisite are needed to enhance the knowledge, attitude, and responsibility of nurses towards colostomy care.

Keywords:

• colostomy care
• knowledge
• attitude
• perceived responsibility

Abbreviations

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; COR, crude odd ratio; DBRH, Debre Brehan Referral Hospital; DMRH, Debre Markos Referral Hospital; DRH, Dessie Referral Hospital; DTGH, Debre Tabor General Hospital; FHRH, Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital; FMOH, Federal Ministry of Health; GUSH, Gonder University specialist Hospital; IGH, Injibara General Hospital; SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Science; TGRH, Tibeb Gion specialist hospital; WGH, Weldiya general hospital.

Data Sharing Statement

All materials and data are available from the corresponding author without any restriction.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical review committee of health science Debre Markos University with institutional research ethics review committee number of HSC/R/C/Ser/PG/Co/416/17/12. Permission was obtained from selected hospital administrators. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant before their participation including publication of anonymous responses.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Debre Markos University, Health Science College; department of nursing for facilitating all the requirements from beginning to the completion of this work. We are also equally indebted to all hospitals for giving permission to conduct this thesis. Finally, we extend our special thanks to all data collectors and respondents.

Author Contributions

TE; conception of the research protocol, literature review, study design, data analysis, interpretation, and drafting of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.