Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nurses in Preventing Complications in Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is frequently accompanied by serious complications such as edema-related infections, thromboembolism, and acute kidney injury, which can significantly impact prognosis. Nurses are essential in early identification, patient education, and implementation of preventive measures. This study explores the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) levels of nurses concerning complication prevention in nephrotic syndrome and identifies relevant influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to December 2023 across Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Baoshan Medical Emergency Center in China, targeting nurses working in nephrology-related units. A total of 246 valid responses were obtained using a structured and pre-validated KAP questionnaire. The instrument included domains assessing factual understanding, behavioral attitudes, and routine clinical practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression to determine relationships between demographic variables and KAP outcomes. Results: The mean knowledge score among respondents was 5.12±2.67, attitude score was 18.76±5.02, and practice score was 30.45±11.07. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive associations between knowledge and practice (r = 0.421, p < 0.001), and between attitude and practice (r = 0.336, p = 0.015). Regression analysis identified prior nephrology education, years of clinical experience, and academic qualifications as independent predictors of higher practice scores. Conclusion: While nurses generally hold positive attitudes towards complication prevention in nephrotic syndrome (NS), there are significant gaps in their knowledge and inconsistencies in the application of preventive practices. These findings emphasize the need for targeted training programs to enhance nurses’ practical competencies in managing NS complications. By improving nurses’ knowledge and clinical practices, especially in early detection and prevention, patient outcomes can be significantly improved, leading to more effective management of NS-related complications.