Volume 9, Issue 4 (Autumn 2023)                   JCCNC 2023, 9(4): 277-286 | Back to browse issues page


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Najafi Ghezeljeh T, Jaber Muhaibes F, Haghani S, Kifah Mubdir A. Nurses’ Knowledge and Ability to Diagnose Delirium in Intensive Care Units of Iraq Teaching Hospitals. JCCNC 2023; 9 (4) :277-286
URL: http://jccnc.iums.ac.ir/article-1-449-en.html
1- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Nursing, Mustaqbel College University, Babylon, Iraq.
3- Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. , abbaskefah123@gmail.com
Abstract:   (1035 Views)
Background: Timely diagnosis and effective treatment of delirium, a clinical syndrome, significantly impact the outcomes of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Despite its significance and prevalence, delirium continues to be underdiagnosed. This study aims to determine the knowledge and capability of ICU nurses in Iraq in recognizing delirium syndrome.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 154 nurses working in the ICUs of hospitals in Babylon, Al-Diwaniyah, and Karbala cities, Iraq, in 2022. The subjects were recruited by the census. The study data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, case vignettes, and the delirium knowledge questionnaire (DKQ) to assess participants’ characteristics, delirium recognition, and delirium knowledge. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software, version 22. The significance level was set at P<0.05.
Results: The Mean±SD score of nurses’ overall knowledge was 46.73±14.34. The Mean±SD score for their understanding of delirium’s incidence, symptoms, signs, and effects was 43.57±17.70, whereas the Mean±SD score for knowledge of its risk factors and causes was 49.7±18.74. Their overall ability to recognize delirium had a Mean±SD score of 1.44±1.13. There was a significant relationship between knowledge of delirium, participation in a delirium training course (P=0.008), and work experience in ICUs (P=0.046). 
Conclusion: Given the results of our study, it is crucial to develop plans for increasing the knowledge and recognition ability of ICU nurses in Iraq regarding delirium.

Corresponding author: Tahereh Ghezeljeh, Email: najafi.t@iums.ac.ir
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Delirium, a common and serious clinical problem in ICUs, is associated with an increased risk of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
• The nurses’ knowledge of delirium and ability to recognize it were low.
• The lowest average of knowledge pertained to delirium’s incidence, signs, and symptoms, and the highest average to delirium’s risk factors and causes.
• Knowledge about delirium was significantly associated with undertaking delirium training courses and working experiences in ICUs. 
Plain Language Summary 
The incidence and prevalence of delirium in intensive care units (ICUs) are very high, imposing burdens on nurses and places a significant financial burden on national healthcare systems every year. This study aimed to investigate whether ICU nurses in Iraq are knowledgeable about delirium and capable of recognizing it. The results showed that the nurses’ knowledge of delirium and ability to recognize it were low. In addition, participation in delirium courses and increased work experience in ICUs may increase the nurses’ knowledge about delirium. 

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2023/01/1 | Accepted: 2023/05/23 | Published: 2023/11/1

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