Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Factors toward Ostomy Care among Surgical Nurses

Background Ostomy care represents a vital component of postoperative recovery. As surgical nurses play a pivotal role in facilitating patient adaptation to ostomies; their knowledge, attitudes, and practices significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. Gaps in knowledge among nurses in ostomy care are not well-documented. Objectives To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices and associated factors of intestinal stoma care among surgical nurses in selected teaching hospitals, Colombo district in Sri Lanka. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 surgical nurses from three teaching hospitals in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Participants were selected using a random sampling method. Data was collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire, with knowledge and practice levels categorized as high, moderate, or poor. Attitude levels categorized as good, general, poor. Associations between knowledge, attitude and practice levels and demographic factors were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results The mean knowledge was 73.27 (± 13.79). The mean practice score was 65.82(± 20.04). The mean attitude score was 67.95 (± 6.31). Age was a notable factor, with participants aged 52–60 years scoring significantly higher in Knowledge ( p  = 0.024), while practice scores were significantly higher in participants aged 32–41 years, 42–51 years, and 52–60 years ( p  < 0.001). Gender differences were observed in attitude, where females scored significantly higher than males ( p  = 0.005). Participation in an in-service program for ostomy care was significantly associated with improved Knowledge ( p  = 0.035), Attitude ( p  = 0.035), and Practice ( p  = 0.002) scores. In addition, reading the scientific literature on ostomy care was linked to higher knowledge scores ( p  = 0.014). Conclusions The study revealed a generally positive knowledge level, moderate practice level and good attitude 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 and attitudes towards stoma care.