Knowledge of deep vein thrombosis among nursing interns: A cross-sectional study

Aim: The aims of this study were: (1) to validate whether the Knowledge and Practices of Nurses on Deep Vein Thrombosis Risks and Prophylaxis Knowledge (KPNDVT-K) subscale could effectively measure the level of DVT knowledge of nursing interns; (2) to determine the level of DVT knowledge of nursing interns; and (3) to analyse the factors affecting the level of DVT knowledge of nursing interns. Background: The effective prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients requires nursing staff to have a solid knowledge base of DVT. The level of knowledge about DVT among nursing interns ultimately affects their ability to play an important role in DVT prevention as a qualified nurse. To improve DVT prevention, the current level of knowledge needs to be explored. Design: This was a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Basic information was collected from the nursing interns. The KPNDVT-K subscale was used to assess the level of knowledge of DVT among nursing interns. Results: The KPNDVT-K subscale was used to measure the DVT knowledge of nursing interns with good reliability and validity (difficulty p=0.304-0.426; differentiation D=0.422-0.540; Cronbach's alpha =0.724-0.950; R=0.766). The passing rate for the nursing interns' DVT knowledge was 75.1%, which was in the middle level. Sex (8=-1.471, P=0.007), Home location (8=-0.627, P=0.014), Understanding of channels (hospital teachers) (8=0.688, P=0.008), Internship (8=-1.625, P=0.035; 8=-1.435, P=0.038) were the main influences on nursing interns' knowledge of DVT. Conclusions: The KPNDVT-K subscale has high applicability in the measurement of DVT knowledge of nursing interns. The knowledge of DVT among nursing interns was satisfactory and the knowledge related to DVT preventive measures was good. Nursing educators should take active measures in both schools and hospitals to improve the DVT knowledge of nursing interns to reduce the occurrence of DVT in patients.