Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of endotracheal tube suctioning and associated factors among Intensive care unit Nurses in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

Abstract

Abstract Background: Endotracheal suctioning involves inserting a catheter safely into the endotracheal tube to remove lung secretions using negative pressure, which helps prevent secretion buildup, maintain clear airways, optimize oxygenation and ventilation, and ultimately save patients' lives. Intensive care unit nurses' proficiency with endotracheal suctioning has a direct impact on minimizing the afore mentioned issues, raising the standard of care and shortening intensive care unit stays. Objectives: To asses knowledge, attitude, practice of endotracheal tube suctioning and associated factors among intensive care unit Nurses in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Method: An institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted from 28th March- 28th June, 2024 at Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa .Simple random sampling technique was conducted to get hospitals that were considered in the study. Data was collected by professional nurses using structured questionnaire. Analysis done using epinfo version 7.1 and SPSS version 25 software. Descriptive analysis logistic regression was also conducted. Predictors with p-value of <0.25 for bivariable & <0.05 for multivariable were considered statistically significant, indicating a significant relationship with the outcome variable. Result: - Among 229 nurses working in ICUs across selected hospitals. Nearly half of the nurses (48.5%) had poor knowledge, 57.6% demonstrated poor practice, and 59.8% had negative attitude towards performing endotracheal suctioning. Findings reveal significant associations between age, education level, experience, with both knowledge and practice of endotracheal suctioning. Nurses aged 26-30 and those with a Master's degree demonstrated higher knowledge and practice levels. Lack of institutional guidelines and inadequate training were barriers. Conclusion and recommendation: - ICU experience, and guideline availability play crucial roles in knowledge and practice of endotracheal suctioning, while education and training are critical for shaping their attitudes. Addressing these factors through tailored interventions is essential to improve patient care and outcomes. Keywords: endotracheal suction, intensive care unit, Ethiopia