Nurses' Knowledge, Perceived Practice, and their Associated Factors regarding Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention in Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Deep venous thrombosis is a preventable and treatable cause of death among hospitalized patients. Nurses' knowledge and proper assessment can play a major role in improving deep venous thrombosis prevention care. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, practice, and associated factors towards deep venous thrombosis prevention among nurses working at Amhara region hospitals. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working at Amhara region comprehensive specialized hospitals, Northwest, Ethiopia, from April 1 to 30, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 423 samples. A structured pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered in epi-info version 7, analyzed using SPSS version 25, and presented by frequencies, percentages, and tables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was computed, and P value < 0.05 was considered to identify statistically significant factors. RESULT: Good knowledge and practice of nurses towards DVT prevention were 55.6% and 48.8%, respectively. Working at the medical ward [AOR 3.175, 95% CI (1.42, 7.11)], having a BSc degree [AOR = 3.248(1.245, 8.469)], Master's degree [AOR = 3.48, 95% CI (1.22, 9.89)], obtaining a formal training about deep venous thrombosis [AOR = 1.59; 95% CI (1.03, 2.47)], and working experience of ≥11 years [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI (1.07, 4.16)] were associated with good knowledge of nurses on the prevention of deep venous thrombosis. While having good knowledge about deep venous prevention AOR = 1.75; 95% CI (1.15, 2.65)] and working experience ≥11 years [AOR = 3.44; 95% CI (1.45, 8.13)] were significantly associated with nurses' practice about deep venous thrombosis prevention. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and practice of the nurses regarding the prevention of deep venous thrombosis were found to be inadequate. Therefore, providing training, creating a conducive environment for sharing of experience, and upgrading the academic status of nurses are measures to scale up the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding deep venous thrombosis prevention.