Knowledge, Attitude, Perceived Responsibilities, and Associated Factors Regarding Colostomy Care Among Nurses Working in Surgical Units at Amhara Region General and Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia: A Mixed Method Study

Background: Colostomy is one of the commonest lifesaving procedures worldwide with aims of decompression of an obstructed colon or diversion of feces. Colostomy care is important to improve the quality of life of the patient, yet information is scarce concerning knowledge, attitude, and role of nurses on colostomy care in Ethiopia generally and in Amhara region specifically. Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, perceived responsibility, and associated factors regarding colostomy care among nurses working in surgical units at Amhara region general and referral hospitals, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed method study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2020 using a census method. The data were collected using semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and in-depth interview. Analytic schemes including bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed considering P-value < 0.05 to identify statistically significant factors. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic content analysis. Results: In the current study, the adequate knowledge of nurses was found to be 40.4% (95% CI: 35.4–45.8). Clinical experience, colostomy care guidelines, gave care for colostomy patient, ever received colostomy care training, and read professional literature regularly were significantly associated with adequate knowledge. Favorable attitude of nurses was found to be 49.6% (95% CI: 45– 54.5). Presence of colostomy care guidelines, gave care for colostomy patients, and adequate knowledge were significantly associated with favorable attitude. Nurses have a strong professional perception of caring for colostomy patients but lack of training, inadequate supplies, and lack of professional perquisite are barriers identified. Conclusion: In the present study, nearly half of nurses had only adequate knowledge and favorable attitude, but the majority of nurses perceived their responsibilities towards colostomy care. Therefore, taking part in care, developing guidelines, providing training and fulfilling nurses’ perquisite are needed to enhance the knowledge, attitude, and responsibility of nurses towards colostomy care.