Awareness Of Nurses Research Articles

Criminal responsibilities of nurses in Turkish criminal law and determining the awareness levels of senior nursing students regarding this responsibility

BackgroundIt is noteworthy that there is an increase in medical lawsuits filed against nurses in Turkey and in the rest of the world. The purpose of this article is to examine nurses’ criminal liability and senior nursing students’ awareness of these responsibilities.MethodsAll senior students (n = 309) of the Faculty of Nursing who were studying in the 2020–2021 academic year of the university constituted the population of the research. The study was completed with 300 students who were studying between the dates of the research and who agreed to participate in the research. Data was collected online via Google Forms. The data obtained from the research was analyzed with the program SPSS 20. Numbers and percentages, averages, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the data.ResultsThis article provides an overview of nurses’ criminal liability and senior nursing students’ awareness of these responsibilities. The article offers striking implications regarding the awareness of trainee nurses who have not yet started their careers regarding the criminal liability of nurses.ConclusionThe result of our research clearly revealed that the majority of senior nursing students have insufficient knowledge about professional criminal responsibilities, that they are not aware of their duties, powers, and criminal responsibilities as defined in legislation, and that they do not know the types of criminal responsibilities.

Presenteeism among nurses: An integrative review

BackgroundPresenteeism, a phenomenon in which employees attend work despite physical or mental limitations, is prevalent among nurses and has negative implications for patients, healthcare organizations, and nurses themselves. ObjectiveWe aimed to present the current state of knowledge on presenteeism in nursing, focusing on prevalence rates, reasons, influencing factors, and consequences. DesignWe performed an integrative review. MethodsWe searched databases for studies on presenteeism in the nursing workforce published between 2018 and 2024. This review included 44 studies that met the inclusion criteria, specifically 38 quantitative studies, 4 qualitative studies, and 2 reviews. ResultsThe results indicated that the prevalence of nurses exhibiting symptoms of presenteeism varies between 32% and 94%. The influencing factors include workload, team culture, age, childcare responsibilities, job insecurity, and leadership practices. Presenteeism can lead to significant individual and organizational consequences such as increased health issues among nurses, decreased quality of patient care, and higher healthcare costs. Most studies were focused on nurses who work in hospitals, with only one study addressing nurses who work in nursing homes. ConclusionThis review highlights the high prevalence of presenteeism among nurses and its multifaceted causes and effects. This underscores the need for increased awareness and training of both nurses and management teams regarding the importance of addressing presenteeism. Further research is needed in settings such as nursing homes and outpatient care to understand the unique challenges and impacts in these environments. Efforts should focus on improving working conditions, fostering supportive organizational cultures, and implementing effective leadership practices to mitigate the negative effects of presenteeism.

AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES OF ICU NURSES REGARDING POST-EXTUBATION DYSPHAGIA IN TRACHEALLY INTUBATED PATIENTS

Post-extubation dysphagia is a common yet under-recognized condition in intubated patients, which can lead to severe complications. The awareness and attitudes of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses towards post-extubation dysphagia play a critical role in early detection and management of the condition, improving patient outcomes. Objective: To assess the awareness and attitudes of ICU nurses regarding post-extubation dysphagia in intubated patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from June 2023 to June 2024. One hundred nurses working full-time in general and specialized ICUs were included. Data were collected using a 28-item questionnaire divided into two sections. The first section collected demographic information, while the second assessed knowledge and attitudes toward post-extubation swallowing disorders using 20 specific questions. Statistical analysis, including multivariate analysis, was performed to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude scores. Results: The average total standard score was 60.87 ± 14.31. The mean knowledge score was 7.54 ± 2.99, with a standard score of 75.40 ± 29.9. The average attitude score was 8.10 ± 2.01, with a standard score of 81.0 ± 20.1. Multivariate analysis revealed that age group 31-35, job title, and job satisfaction were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. In contrast, attitude scores were significantly associated with sex, job title, age group, and department. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitudes of ICU nurses regarding post-extubation dysphagia in intubated patients are unsatisfactory. Professional training and educational programs are needed to improve critically ill patients' awareness and management of this condition.

KAP ANALYSIS AND DECISION-MAKING OF NURSES REGARDING SEPSIS ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt identification and management, particularly in critically ill patients. Nurses play a pivotal role in sepsis management, and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices directly impact patient outcomes. However, there is limited data on the awareness and competency of nurses regarding sepsis assessment and management, especially in low-resource settings. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses towards the assessment and management of sepsis in critically ill patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency department of DHQ Hospital, Narowal, from July 2023 to July 2024. A total of 100 ICU and CCU nurses were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a 32-item questionnaire that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sepsis. Additionally, the 24-item Nursing Decision-Making Instrument (NDMI) was used to evaluate decision-making skills. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and relationships between variables were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The mean knowledge score was 5.1 ± 1.8, with 83% of nurses demonstrating poor awareness of sepsis. The mean attitude score was 2.0 ± 0.9, with 85% of nurses displaying negative attitudes toward sepsis management. The mean practice score was 79 ± 17.8, with 72% of nurses showing poor practice skills. The mean decision-making score on the NDMI was 63.3 ± 19.6. Qualifications (p=0.010, p=0.00) and work experience (p=0.005, p=0.050) significantly influenced knowledge and practice scores. Moreover, knowledge and practice scores varied significantly with different modes of decision-making (p<0.001, p=0.020). Conclusion: The study revealed that ICU and emergency department nurses had insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and inadequate practices concerning sepsis assessment and management. Training programs, targeted educational interventions, and policy reforms are urgently required to improve nurses' competency and decision-making skills in sepsis management, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Nurses Awareness Regarding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy among Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Nurses Awareness Regarding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy among Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Is climate change awareness a predictor of anxiety among nursing students?: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDetermining the climate change anxiety and awareness of student nurses, who will provide health services in various parts of the world after the borders are removed, is important in combating climate change. ObjectivesThe study aims to assess whether nursing students' climate change awareness is a predictor of climate change anxiety. DesignThis research adopts a descriptive cross-sectional study design. ParticipantsThe population of the study consisted of a total of 562 students studying in the nursing department of a state university. 419 students were included in study. MethodsData were gathered from 419 students enrolled in the nursing department of a university during the fall semester of 2022–2023, employing online questionnaires via Google Forms from January to March 2023. The research instrument comprised three parts: a Descriptive Information Form developed in line with the literature, the Global Climate Change Awareness Scale, and the Climate Change Anxiety Scale. SPSS 20.0 software was used for data analysis. The study obtained ethical committee approval, institutional permissions, and participant consent. ResultsFindings indicated that nursing students' mean Global Climate Change Awareness Scale total score was 59.06 ± 15.78, Climate Change Anxiety Scale total score was determined to be 21.27 ± 8.75. A moderate positive relationship was identified between global climate change awareness and climate change anxiety levels among nursing students (r = 0.304, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the study revealed that the participants' awareness of global climate change served as a predictor for their anxiety levels. ConclusionThe climate change awareness of nursing students significantly influences their levels of anxiety related to climate change. Integrating climate change awareness into nursing education is quite important and necessary. This can empower future nurses to be more prepared and effective in a changing world.

Guidelines for promoting awareness of radiation protection among professional nurses

ABSTRACT X-ray imaging plays a crucial role in medical diagnosis, particularly for patients presenting with severe symptoms who require radiographic examination for further evaluation. While uncommon, there are instances where nurses may be exposed to radiation, such as when performing certain procedures on patients. The study employs an explanatory sequential mixed-method research aims to analyze the level of awareness of nurses on radiation exposure, identify predictive factors, and develop guidelines for promoting radiation protection awareness among professional nurses in Royong Hospital. Quantitative research involved a simple random sampling of 120 professionals who completed a 23-item questionnaire, with results analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative research included a purposive selection of 10 professional nurses for in-depth interviews, with data analyzed thematically. Results showed a high level of awareness, with predictive factors including gender (95.8% female, P < 0.05), age (highest awareness in 31–40 years range, 42.50%, P < 0.01), work experience (highest awareness in 11–15 years range, 27.50%, P < 0.01), and training on radiation protection (27.50%, P < 0.01). Guidelines for promoting awareness through radiation protection training and online hospital resources. It concludes that prioritizing radiation safety education is key to enhancing awareness among professional nurses in hospitals.

Nurses' perspectives and experiences on medical errors: A qualitative study.

Medical errors are among the most important factors that threaten patient safety. Therefore, nurses' perspectives and experiences about medical errors are important for this manner. The aim of this study was to determine in depth the perspectives and experiences of nurses related to how they define medical error, as well as its causes, management and reporting. This descriptive, exploratory study involved a qualitative design. A total of 15 clinical nurses from eleven provinces were reached by snowball sampling method. In the study, nurses' perspectives on medical errors were obtained through semistructured in-depth online interviews conducted based on phenomenological methods. Descriptive analysis was used in the analysis of the data obtained from the interviews. The research was conducted following the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative checklist. The resulting 26 codes were categorized under seven themes: "Definition of medical error", "Experience of medical errors", "Frequency of medical errors", "Causes of medical errors", "Reporting of medical errors", "Medical error approach" and "Prevention of medical errors". The results show that it is still necessary to increase the awareness of nurses about medical errors and the importance of error reporting. In addition, it reveals the need for leadership to eliminate the negative approach to medical errors and shows that nurse managers should be empowered accordingly. It is the first step of quality and safe care to reveal nurses' perspectives on medical errors, their thoughts about medical errors and their experiences about errors in their institutions. In this study, nurses' knowledge, opinions and experiences regarding medical errors were revealed in this qualitative study. Therefore, this study offers important clues to nursing services, hospital managers and policy makers for clinical and institutional arrangements.

Knowledge of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among Nurses at Al-Nasiriyah City Hospitals in Iraq

Background: CCHF caused by a tick-borne virus from the Bunyaviridae family, is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of 10–40%. Specific Background: Despite their critical role in treating and preventing CCHF, comprehensive research on CCHF transmission and knowledge among healthcare workers, especially nurses in Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq, is lacking. Knowledge Gap: Current literature lacks detailed studies on the awareness and preparedness of nurses regarding CCHF in high-risk areas. Aims: Aims to assess the knowledge of nurses concerning CCHF in Al-Nasiriyah’s educational hospitals and identify gaps in their understanding to improve disease management and prevention strategies. Results: Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 500 nurses across five teaching hospitals. The average age of participants was 28.83 years, with a predominant proportion holding diplomas and obtaining information primarily from social media. The results revealed that nurses' knowledge about CCHF was suboptimal, with 69.4% of correct answers and a predominance of moderate knowledge levels. Novelty: This research provides novel insights into the knowledge deficits among nurses in an endemic region, highlighting the critical need for targeted educational interventions. Implications: The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive educational courses on occupational safety and disease prevention tailored to healthcare workers in endemic areas, aiming to enhance their knowledge and preparedness against CCHF. Highlights: Knowledge Gaps: Nurses’ CCHF understanding is inadequate. Educational Need: Targeted training can improve disease management. Information Sources: Social media use highlights need for reliable sources. Keywords: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, nurses' knowledge, endemic regions, healthcare education, CCHF prevention

Perceptions of Occupational Health Hazards Among Jordanian Nurses: A cross-Sectional Study

Occupation health pertains to the health of employees in relation with their workplaces, and is aimed at the prevention of job-related injuries and illnesses. However, given the significance of occupational health and the possible adversarial effects of occupational hazards to the nursing team, there is paucity of evidence on the level of awareness, knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards occupational hazards in the workplace. The aim of this study is to measure levels of perceptions of occupational hazards, and to identify relationships and differences on perceptions of occupational hazards based on sociodemographic characteristics, the study employed cross-sectional, descriptive method. A valid and reliable 13-item questionnaire was used to measure perceptions of occupational hazards. Results showed that nurses had high levels of perceptions of occupational hazards. Nurses with longer lengths of work experiences had higher levels of perceptions of occupational hazards than nurses with shorter lengths of work experiences..the study concluded that hospitals should implement strategies that can support nurses in sustaining high levels of perceptions of occupational hazards, and should find ways to retain nurses within the hospital workforce. Future research can examine personal- and organizational-level factors that can impede or facilitate perceptions of occupational hazards, and explore how perceptions of occupational hazards translate to actual injuries sustained at work, quality of workplace environment, quality of work life, job performance, patient satisfaction, and other relevant organizational and clinical outcomes. Keywords: Nurse; Occupational hazards; Perceptions; Jordan

Willingness to pay for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses

BackgroundDue to the rapid increase in chronic diseases in South Korea, the Korean government has expanded chronic disease management to primary care. Thus, the role of primary care nurses is critical. However, the fee for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses has not been set, and few studies have evaluated the value of nursing services. This study aimed to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses and to identify the factors that affect WTP.MethodsThis study adopted a descriptive research design and conducted a cross-sectional online survey from January 16 to 18, 2023. The inclusion criteria were community residents aged ≥ 20 years living in South Korea and capable of participating in online surveys. A total of 520 people participated in this study. A contingent valuation method (CVM) was used with double-bound dichotomous choice questions along with open-ended questions. The mean WTP was calculated using a Tobit model.ResultsThe mean WTP of the 520 study participants for one chronic disease management service provided by primary care nurses was 15,390.71 Korean won ($11.90). Factors affecting WTP were having a chronic disease, recognition of primary care nurses, and the first-bid price. Community residents with fewer chronic diseases, high awareness of primary care nurses, and a higher first-bid price showed higher WTP for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses.ConclusionsPrimary care is important worldwide due to the increasing number of chronic diseases, and Korea is no exception. However, payment for services by primary care nurses is undervalued compared to their critical role and skills. This has led to problems such as a primary care nurse shortage and burnout. This study estimated individuals’ WTP for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses. The results can be used as a basic resource for setting the fee for services provided by primary care nurses. It is also a good starting point to understand the benefits of primary care nurse services.

Determining the awareness of surgical nurses regarding frail patients: a cross-sectional study

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the knowledge level and awareness of surgical nurses about fragile patients. Method: Obtained through Introductory Information Survey Form created by the researchers and Fragile Patient Information Evaluation Form methods. Results: The average age of the surgical nurses participating in the study was 28±5.01 years, the average professional experience was 5±5.09 years, and the average experience in the service they worked in was 3±2.83 years. The rate of those who heard the term 'frailty' for the first time is 63%. It was stated that 92.7% of the 110 surgical nurses participating in the study did not receive any training on fragility; It was stated that 50.9% of them think of the most vulnerable and weak patient when they think of a fragile patient. While 50% of them stated that when they suspected frailty in the patient, they evaluated involuntary weight loss, slowness (slowness in walking, muscle weakness), and fatigue; 70% stated that the biggest risk factor for frailty is being depressed or using antidepressant medication. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it can be said that the awareness of surgical nurses about the "fragile patient" should be increased. In the light of the data obtained, it can be suggested to organize trainings on "fragile patients" for surgical nurses. 'Fragile patient' education should be included in pre-graduation education and in-service training.

Preoperative Evidence-Based Practice for Prevention of Early Postoperative Infections in Patients Receiving a Liver Transplant.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing evidence-based preoperative nursing interventions in reducing postoperative infections and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay among liver transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A controlled study was conducted, comparing postoperative outcomes between an intervention group receiving standardized, evidence-based preoperative care and a control group receiving routine preoperative care. Patients undergoing elective liver transplantation from September 2020 to March 2021 were included and assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received preoperative interventions based on best available evidence, while the control group received standard preoperative care. The primary outcomes measured were postoperative infection rates and length of ICU stay. RESULTS In the control group the overall Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay was 3 days and the infection rate was 33.30%, while in the intervention group it was 3 days and 13.80% (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of ICU stay between the control and the intervention groups (P>0.05). There was a significant improvement in the awareness, acceptance, and compliance of doctors and nurses. CONCLUSIONS Using the best evidence-based intervention for preoperative nursing of liver transplantation patients can standardize preoperative nursing behavior. Although we did not find significant differences in outcomes before and after the intervention, it is necessary to prevent postoperative infection and improve nursing compliance.

Knowledge of esophageal cancer and preventive behaviors among nursing students – a cross-sectional study

Introduction and aim. There is a gap in nursing student understanding, knowledge, and preventive behaviors concerning esophageal cancer. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, risk factors, and preventive behaviors among Turkish nursing students. Material and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed. The questionnaire was conducted online over a four-month period. A convenience sample of 688 undergraduate nursing students was recruited from health science faculty at three universities in Türkiye. The survey was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The reliability coefficients of the knowledge test were calculated, yielding Cronbach’s alpha (0.952), KR-20 (0.952), and KR-21 (0.945), respectively. A significance level p&lt;0.05 was accepted. Results. The mean age of the study group was 20±1.86 (min: 17, max: 32). The study group consists of 487 women (70.8%) and 201 men (29.2%). Most of the study population report never using alcohol and smoking (88.4%, 73.1%, respectively), and reported paying attention to oral hygiene (88.5%). Nursing students had a low family history of EC (0.4%), obesity (10.2%), and vitamin deficiency (19.2%) which are risk factors. Knowledge of esophageal cancer risks was low (x̄=14.34±9.53; Min=0; Max=31). Total knowledge scores have higher for students with complaints of EC, vitamin deficiency, and diagnosis of Human Papilloma Virus disease (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion. This study showed that there are significant gaps in the knowledge of nursing students and these need to be addressed through an improved nursing curriculum. In this context, the study can be used as important evidence and a resource in the issues that should be given priority to in the training and research needed to increase the knowledge and awareness of future nurses about esophageal cancer.

Medical Error Attitudes of Nurses Working in Surgical Clinics and Affecting Factors

This study was carried out in a descriptive and cross-sectional form to determine the medical error attitudes of nurses working in the surgical clinics of a public hospital. The population of the research consists of 900 nurses working in the surgical clinics of a public hospital in Istanbul, and the sample consists of 308 nurses who voluntarily agreed to participate in the research. “Questionnaire Form” which include nurses' socio-demographic and working characteristics and “Medical Error Attitude Scale” were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 package program with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent student t-test, One-way ANOVA test and Tukey tests. The study determined that 12.7% of the nurses made a medical error during their professional working period, and 24.4% had witnessed a medical error before. The total mean score of the "Medical Error Attitude Scale" of the nurses was 2.25±0.2 and it was evaluated as negative. It was determined that the highest score was taken from “the perception of medical errors” sub-dimension (3.08±0.9) and the lowest score was taken from the “the approach to medical errors” sub-dimension (2.08±0.4) of the sub-dimensions of the scale. It was determined that the mean medical error attitude total score of the nurses who were single nurses who worked on the day shift and had management duties was significantly higher. The results reveal that health institutions must increase their studies on patient safety to raise awareness of nurses against medical errors, identify the causes of malpractice and prevent them.

Nurses’ Awareness and Practice Toward Pain Assessment and Management as Fifth Vital Sign in Sudan: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Pain is globally prevalent, affecting quality of life and driving most people to seek medical care. Nurses are essential for pain assessment and treatment. Adequate nursing awareness, attitudes, and skills are vital for optimal management. This study investigates nurses’ awareness and practice toward pain assessment and management as the fifth vital sign in Sudan. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Convenience sampling was performed to collect information from nurses working at four government hospitals using a self-administered questionnaire 24 November 2020 and 18 April 2021. The study utilized descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. Results: A total of 393 registered nurses participated in this study. Most (66.7%) were women, 46.6% were aged 20–25 years, and 69.2% had a bachelor degree. More than half of the nurses had low awareness of pain assessment (51.7%) and management practices (53.7%). A weak positive correlation was observed between awareness and practice (r = 0.280, P = 0.000). Women nurses showed a higher awareness (204.80, P = 0.048). Nurses with a high level of education showed higher awareness (249.32, P = 0.031) and higher practice (272.00, P = 0.029). Nurses working in the critical care unit performed significantly better than others (234.61, P = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a low level of awareness regarding pain assessment and management practices. This study suggests the need for more research and training programs, especially for nurses with low educational levels.

Nurses Awareness Regarding the Newborn Hearing Screening Test at Maternal and Child Health Centers in Kafr El-Sheikh City

Nurses Awareness Regarding the Newborn Hearing Screening Test at Maternal and Child Health Centers in Kafr El-Sheikh City

AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE REGARDING PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG NURSES WORKING IN MAJOR HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTS

Pain management is a critical aspect of nursing care, yet the awareness and attitudes of nurses regarding this issue remain understudied, particularly in the context of Pakistan. Objective: This study evaluated nurses' understanding and attitudes regarding pain management in central hospital departments. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from March 2023 to March 2024. Using convenient sampling, 300 nurses from various hospital departments were included, including internal medicine, paediatrics, outpatient, surgical unit, ICU, and emergency. A 25-item questionnaire comprising polar and Likert scale questions was utilised to assess knowledge and attitudes. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data, and mean scores were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Of the participants, 67.3% (95% CI: 61.4%, 70.9%) demonstrated good knowledge about pain management, with a mean score of 7.07 ± 1.66. Furthermore, 50.6% (95% CI: 45.7%, 55.3%) exhibited a positive attitude, with a mean score of 48.2 ± 6.08. While no significant difference in mean knowledge scores was observed between genders (p = 0.754), a statistically significant difference was found in mean attitude scores (men: 49.03, women: 47.22, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Despite possessing good knowledge, nurses in Pakistan display a comparatively less favourable attitude toward pain management, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address attitude-related barriers.

The antecedents of oral care in nursing facilities - a qualitative interview study among supervisor nurses.

This qualitative study describes the views of supervisor nurses related to antecedents of oral care in Finnish nursing facilities. In the six largest cities in Finland, 19 supervisor nurses were interviewed and asked five semi-structured questions related to the antecedents of oral care in the units. The interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Qualitative content analysis revealed five main categories: awareness of nurses (3 categories, 9 subcategories), attitude and motivation (3 categories, 10 subcategories), supporting quality of life and health (4 categories, 11 subcategories), the meaning of oral health in the unit (3 categories, 10 subcategories), and the role of the supervisor nurse in oral health care (4 categories, 14 subcategories). The awareness of nurses regarding oral health was in most cases good. Nurses' attitudes towards oral health and their motivation to oral care vary but were mostly good. Nurses were aware that oral care enhances the quality of life. The role of the supervisor nurse in organizing oral care was crucial. The performed analysis identified five main categories to describe antecedents for oral care in Finnish nursing facilities. The categories that needed to be improved were knowledge and attitude, and motivation related to oral care.

Analysis of the relationship between fear of coronavirus and hand hygiene beliefs and practices of surgical nurses: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hand hygiene beliefs and practices of surgical nurses. This article is a descriptive correlational study. It was conducted between February and May 2021 with 306 surgical nurses working at public and private hospitals in Northern Cyprus. A personal information form, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Hand Hygiene Belief Scale and Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory were used for data collection. Of the participants in the study, 25.41% were 29 years old or younger and 85.15% were female. The mean scores obtained from the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Hand Hygiene Belief Scale and the Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory were 23.12 ± 8.03, 81.33 ± 7.67 and 69.15 ± 1.94, respectively. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale scores were negatively correlated with the Hand Hygiene Belief Scale scores and positively correlated with the Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory scores. Hand hygiene practices were better for nurses with higher level of COVID-19 fear. Therefore, a high level of seriousness and awareness of nurses about hand hygiene, which was achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be sustained to maintain proper hand hygiene practices.