INTENSIVE CARE UNIT NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-REPORTED COMPLIANCE OF EVIDENCE-BASED GUIDELINES FOR VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA PREVENTION

Abstract

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains one of the most frequent and preventable infections in intensive care units. Ensuring both theoretical knowledge and clinical adherence to prevention guidelines is essential in improving patient outcomes. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and self-reported compliance with evidence-based VAP prevention practices among ICU nurses at the University Medical Center (UMC) Heart Center adult ICU (Astana, Kazakhstan) and to identify related demographic factors and barriers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 ICU nurses using a validated 10 item multiple-choice questionnaire assessing knowledge and an 8 item yes/no/rationale questionnaire assessing compliance with international VAP prevention guidelines/standards of practice that are in place at UMC. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed using STATA version 15.1. Results: The mean knowledge score of the ICU nurses was 6.74 (± 1.65) out of 10 questions, with 25 (59.5%) found to have satisfactory knowledge (greater than 6.74) and 17 (40.5%) with less than satisfactory knowledge (below 6.74). The mean compliance score was 7.12 (± 1.37) out of 8 items, with 23 (55%) reporting 100% compliance with established VAP practice standards at UMC and 45% reported partial compliance. No statistically significant differences were found based on education, gender, or work experience. The main reported barriers to compliance included lack of time (11.9%) and absence of aspiration systems (30.95%). Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for continuous training, adequate resource provision, and institutional support to ensure consistent compliance to VAP prevention standards of practice.