Intra-Abdominal Pressure Measurement Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Chinese ICU Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Background: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement is an important parameter for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, helping ICU nurses identify and respond to intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and changes in patient condition. The quality of IAP measurement depends on ICU nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and correct nursing practices. While previous studies have investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding IAP measurement among paediatric ICU nurses, the KAP of adult ICU nurses has not been explicitly assessed.

Aim: To understand the current situation and influencing factors of IAP measurement among adult ICU nurses in Mianyang City, China.

Study design: Between December 2024 and February 2025, an anonymous cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using convenience sampling among 240 adult ICU nurses from five hospitals in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China. The survey tools included the General Information Questionnaire and the ICU Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire for Intra-abdominal Pressure Measurement. The KAP questionnaire comprised a knowledge dimension (nine items), an attitude dimension (five items), and a practice dimension (nine items), totalling 23 items. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify the influencing factors.

Results: A total of 240 questionnaires were collected, of which 222 were valid, yielding a valid response rate of 92.5%. The overall mean score was 83.99 ± 14.91, corresponding to a score rate of 73.03%. The mean score for the attitude dimension was 19.31 ± 3.39 (score rate: 77.24%). The mean score for the practice dimension was 34.58 ± 7.97 (score rate: 76.86%). The mean score for the knowledge dimension was 29.19 ± 8.95 (score rate: 64.86%). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that education level (p = 0.008, 95% CI: 1.230-7.928), hospital level (p = 0.003, 95% CI: -9.048 to -1.854), IAP measurement training experience (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 8.690-16.616), and clinical teaching experience (p < 0.001, 95% CI: -19.007 to -11.614) were significant predictors (p < 0.05, 95% CI: 77.111-99.074) of ICU nurses' KAP regarding IAP measurement.

Conclusions: The level of IAP measurement KAP among the surveyed ICU nurses was moderate, indicating considerable room for improvement. Notably, knowledge scores were relatively low, highlighting the need to prioritise strengthening training and learning in this area. Educational level, hospital level, IAP measurement training experience, and clinical teaching experience emerged as significant predictors.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nursing managers should be aware of the factors influencing clinical nurses' KAP regarding IAP measurement. Implementing effective, personalised training programmes tailored to the characteristics of different ICU nurses can help improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices, thereby enhancing patient safety.