Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Among Patients in Intensive Care Units at West Bank Hospitals in Palestine

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common, largely preventable healthcare-associated infection among mechanically ventilated patients and remains an important cause of morbidity, mortality and increased health costs. Aim To assess ICU nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding evidence-based VAP prevention in West Bank hospitals and to identify predictors of KAP. Methods Cross-sectional electronic survey of 264 registered ICU nurses conducted in May 2024. A structured questionnaire included: identification form (IFN), knowledge questionnaire about evidence-based VAP prevention (QVAP), practice questionnaire (QNP) and attitude items (ABQ). Data were analyzed with SPSS v27 using descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA and multivariable regression to identify predictors. Results Mean participant age was 28 years; 59.3% were male. Knowledge levels: poor 16.3%, moderate 48.8%, high 35.0%. Practice levels: high 58.1%, moderate 39.8%, poor 2.0%. Attitude: high 76.0%, moderate 23.2%, poor 0.8%. Years of ICU experience and workplace area were significant positive predictors of knowledge and practice; age, experience, and infection-control training predicted attitude. Conclusion ICU nurses in this sample generally showed positive attitudes and acceptable practice levels but gaps in knowledge persist for a subset. Targeted continuous education, practical training and institutional support are recommended to close the knowledge-practice gap and strengthen VAP prevention.