Nurses’ Knowledge about Bariatric Surgery at Surgical Wards in Al-Diwaniya Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery is the only type of therapy that demonstrates both efficacy and for a long-time impact on weight reduction and the amelioration of obesity-related morbidity. A nurse performs a crucial role in the following surgery by providing high-quality nursing care, preventing or minimizing problems, and facilitating the healing process. Objectives: The aims of the study to evaluate the nurses' understanding of bariatric surgery and determine the correlation between their knowledge and demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, and extensive years of expertise. Methods: An "descriptive cross-sectional study" was carried out to assess the nurses' proficiency in understanding the bariatric procedure in the surgical departments of Al-Diweniya Training Hospital. The duration of the study was prolonged from May 1st, 2024 to August 5th, 2024. A purposive (not-probability) representative sample (40) nurses employed in the surgical wards was selected. A survey was created to gather information on the demographic features of nurses and their comprehension of bariatric surgery. cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the nurses' level of knowledge regarding bariatric surgery in the surgical wards of Al-Diwaniya Teaching Hospital. The study was extended from May 1st, 2024 until August 5th, 2024. A deliberate "(non-probability) sample of (40) nurses" employed in the surgical wards was chosen. A survey was devised to collect data on the nurses' demographic characteristics and their understanding of bariatric surgery. Results: The findings of the research indicate that a more of the nurses, precisely 81%, lack sufficient knowledge about postoperative care. In addition, 19% of the nurses shown a moderate degree of understanding, while none of them displayed a high level of awareness. Conclusion: The current study determined that nurse prossess low knowledge regarding bariatric surgery. Recommendations: The study proposes that nurse employed on surgical wards need to attend specialized training courses.