Assessment of Nurses' Knowledge Regarding Care of Patients with Nosocomial Hypoglycaemia at Kosti Teaching Hospital, 2021-2022

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial hypoglycaemia is a serious problem in hospitals. This condition is defined as hypoglycaemia that occurs after 72 hours of hospital admission and may affect either diabetic or non-diabetic patients. It may result from inadequate nursing care plans, missed documentation, reduced caloric intake without appropriate adjustment of antihyperglycaemic medications, and various diseases and medications. Objective: This study assessed nurses’ knowledge regarding the care of patients with nosocomial hypoglycaemia at Kosti Teaching Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted to assess nurses' knowledge regarding nosocomial hypoglycaemia. The study population comprised 35 nurses working at Kosti Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, coded, and entered into SPSS version 28 for analysis. The results were presented in tables and figures. Results: Of the 35 nurses included in the study, 87.9% demonstrated excellent knowledge of the signs and symptoms of nosocomial hypoglycaemia. Additionally, 63.6% of respondents had good knowledge of the causes of nosocomial hypoglycaemia, whereas 39.3% demonstrated poor knowledge of common risk factors. No statistically significant association was found between gender and knowledge (p = 0.425), age and knowledge (p = 0.907), educational level and knowledge (p = 0.764), or years of experience and knowledge (p = 0.168). Conclusion: The study revealed that nurses' knowledge regarding nosocomial hypoglycaemia at Kosti Teaching Hospital was generally good. Recommendation: The researchers recommend that the Ministry of Health develop training programmes for nurses on the care of patients with nosocomial hypoglycaemia and raise nurses' awareness through workshops on this topic.