Knowledge and associated factors related to stoma care among surgical nurses in Sri Lanka

Intestinal stomas are surgical apertures created for fecal diversion to treat various intestinal disorders. Despite the life-saving nature of stoma formation, patients face significant physical and psychological challenges. Nurses play a vital role in providing stoma care, yet gaps in knowledge among nurses are well-documented. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 surgical nurses from three teaching hospitals. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through a researcher-developed, self-administered questionnaire, with knowledge levels categorized as high, moderate, or poor. Associations between knowledge levels and demographic factors were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher’s test. The mean knowledge score was 73.27 ± 13.79. While 53.9% of nurses demonstrated high knowledge, 40.4% had moderate knowledge, and 5.7% had poor knowledge. Significant factors influencing knowledge included age ( p = 0.006), participation in in-service programs ( p = 0.042), availability of ward guidelines ( p = 0.006), and reading scientific literature ( p = 0.014). No significant associations were found with gender, education level, or experience. The study revealed a generally positive knowledge level among surgical nurses, with areas for improvement. Targeted interventions, including structured training programs and access to updated guidelines, are essential for enhancing stoma care knowledge and practices.