DELIRIUM RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT AMONG IRAQI NURSES IN THI-QAR GOVERNORATE: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Hussein Abdulmohsin Dabis; Qassim Jawell Odah Abed

doi:10.46903/gjms/23.2.1757

DELIRIUM RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT AMONG IRAQI NURSES IN THI-QAR GOVERNORATE: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Hussein Abdulmohsin Dabis, Qassim Jawell Odah Abed

Abstract

Background: Delirium poses a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly for older hospitalized adults. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to mitigate its adverse effects. Nurses play a critical role in delirium management, yet knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge about delirium in the context.

Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 nurses from Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Thi-Qar, Iraq. Through the use of an adapted questionnaire, the socio-demographic characteristics, perception of knowledge, and different specific concepts related to delirium were measured by means of multiple-choice questions. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression as the methods of the data analysis were exploited.

Results: Of the total 210 nurses, 53.8 percent were women, 32.9 percent were between the ages of 20 and 25, and 50% had bachelor’s degrees. The majority (77.1%) reported that they were not knowledgeable enough about delirium, and two third (70%) didn’t have specialized training. Although there was a clear awareness of the fundamental description and preventative methods, there were notable gaps in the knowledge of possible environmental triggers and settings, how to use diagnostic instruments, and what treatments were available for different forms of delirium. Age, experience, and educational attainment all had a big impact on delirium training.

Conclusion: This research shows a lack of awareness of delirium among nurses, which provides evidence for developing such education and training programs. Updating-oriented trainings with professional growth prospects are the key to enhancing the competence of nurses to cope with delirium, which eventually leads to better results for the patients.

Keywords

Delirium; Education; Knowledge; Nurses.

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/23.2.1757