Determination of Nurses' Knowledge Levels on Using the Z-Track Technique in Intramuscular Injection Application

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of nurses working in a public hospital regarding the use of the Z-track technique in intramuscular injection application. Method: This descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 130 nurses working in a public hospital in Turkey between January and April 2019. "Personal information form" and the "Suggestions form for the use of Z-track technique in intramuscular injection application" were completed. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation. The significance level was taken as p < 0.05. Results: In this study, 71.5% of the nurses stated that they did not receive Z-track technique training, 78.5% did not use the Z-track technique, and 55.4% stated that they did not have sufficient knowledge about the Z-track technique. The mean accuracy score of nurses' knowledge regarding the use of the Z-track technique in IM injection was 7.61±2.41. The level of knowledge about the Z-track technique was found to be statistically higher in those below 30 years of age, in single people, and in those working in clinics that perform IM injections (p<0.05). In the research, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge levels of those whose professional working time was between 11 and 15 years (Mean Rank = 46.09) and those whose professional working time was 5 years or less (Mean Rank = 77.46) (p = 0.031). Likewise, in the study, there was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge levels of those who worked at their current workplace for 10 and 12 years (Mean Rank = 44.26) and those who worked for 4 and 6 years (Mean Rank = 78.04) (p = 0.037). A statistically significant, weak negative linear relationship was identified between age (r=-0.324, p=0.000), professional experience (r=-0.250, p=0.004), and tenure at the current workplace (r=-0.217, p=0.013) with knowledge levels. Conclusion: This study found that nurses' knowledge levels regarding the Z technique were insufficient. In order for nurses to have up-to-date information, it is recommended to provide in-service training at regular intervals and to measure training outcomes through exams. In addition, in order to increase the use of Z-track technique, it would be useful to develop, implement and supervise standards for the use of Z-track technique.