Evaluation of the knowledge and practice levels of nurses on prevention of surgical ste infections through pre-operative feather cleaning

This study was planned to evaluate the knowledge and practice levels of nurses working in a state hospital regarding preoperative feather cleaning and the prevention of surgical site infection. The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 123 nurses working in Turhal State Hospital between 01/02/2023 and 01/05/2023. A sampling method from the known universe was used in sample selection. When the effect size (post hoc) power analysis was performed after the research, it was concluded that the sample size was sufficient. The data for the study were collected face-to-face using the 'Introductory Information Form' and the 'Form for Assessing Nurses' Knowledge and Practice Levels for Preoperative Hair Cleaning and Prevention of Surgical Site Infection'. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 package program. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, etc.) were used to analyze the data. The normality assumption of the data obtained as a result of the study was tested with the Kolmogorow-Smirnov test, and it was determined that the data were not normally distributed (p<0.05). Chi-square independence analysis was used for relationship and differentiation analysis of the research data. It was determined that 68.3% of the nurses participating in the study were female, 31.7% were male, 39.8% were in the 21–30 age group, 65.9% were undergraduate graduates, and 49.5 percent had been working in the profession for more than ten years. No significant difference was found when the level of education, gender, and working time of the nurses participating in the study were compared with their knowledge and practice levels to prevent surgical site infections. Among the methods used for preoperative hair removal, 64.2% of the nurses were of the opinion that shaving with a razor should be applied, 74% stated that hair removal should be performed the night before the operation, and 70.7% stated that the patient's relative should be the person who performs the hair removal process. It was determined that the knowledge and practice levels of nurses regarding preoperative hair removal and prevention of surgical site infection were not at the desired level. It is thought that it is important for nurses to improve their knowledge and practices by following current resources.