KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICE: A TRIPARTITE ANALYSIS OF CLABSI PREVENTION BUNDLES AMONG INTENSIVE CARE UNIT NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF KARACHI

Abstract

In critical care units (ICUs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a recurring problem, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare environments. Even though there are prevention bundles based on clinical guidelines, uneven implementation is still an issue. As the main medical professionals in charge of central lines, nurses are essential in making sure that these procedures are followed. Variations in their comprehension and knowledge, however, could affect compliance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how ICU nurses' awareness affects their adherence to CLABSI prevention bundles in Karachi's tertiary care hospitals. Sixty intensive care unit nurses participated in a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Twenty items in a structured questionnaire assessed respondents' compliance and understanding of CLABSI prevention. IBM SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Pearson's correlation evaluated the relationship between the variables, Cronbach's alpha tested reliability (α = 0.735), and descriptive statistics summarized the data. The analysis showed, participants' mean knowledge score was 35.09 (SD = 4.45), and their mean compliance score was 45.50 (SD = 6.09). Knowledge and compliance were found to be strongly positively correlated (r = 0.827, p < 0.001), suggesting that better adherence to infection control procedures is substantially correlated with greater knowledge. The study's conclusion emphasizes how critical it is to increase nurses' understanding in order to support the successful application of CLABSI prevention techniques. In intensive care units, consistent monitoring, institutional support, and educational efforts may boost patient safety and compliance.