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Abstract
Background: Tracheostomy care requires adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills among nursing students to ensure safe airway management and prevent complications. Inadequate preparation may compromise patient safety and nursing care quality. Assessing students’ knowledge and skills can identify educational gaps and guide improvements in undergraduate nursing education.
Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practical skills regarding tracheostomy care among undergraduate nursing students and determine the association between selected demographic characteristics, knowledge, and skills.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and a skills assessment checklist related to tracheostomy care. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between selected variables, knowledge, and skills. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.
Results: Half of the participants, 75 (50.0%), demonstrated moderate knowledge, while 43 (28.7%) had good and 32 (21.3%) had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 10.84 ± 2.61. Regarding skills, 67 (44.7%) demonstrated moderate skills, 47 (31.3%) good skills, and 36 (24.0%) poor skills. Academic year was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.021) and skills (p < 0.001). Clinical exposure was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.002). Knowledge was significantly associated with skills (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings indicated moderate knowledge and skills regarding tracheostomy care among nursing students. Structured theoretical teaching, clinical exposure, simulation-based training, and supervised practical practice are recommended to strengthen competency.