NURSES’ ADHERENCE TO NURSING CARE PRACTICES FOR VENTILATED PATIENTS IN THE ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

ABSTRACT Background: Adherence to nursing care practices for ventilated patients is crucial for preventingcomplications, ensuring patient safety, and optimizing recovery outcomes. In the intensive care unit (ICU), maintaining high adherence to these practices is essential for delivering quality care.The demand for mechanical ventilation has been increasing steadily, with an annual rise of 10% over the last five years. However, existing literature has primarily focused on general nursingcompetencies for critically ill patients, leaving a gap in understanding adherence to nursing care practices specifically for mechanically ventilated patients.Aim: To assess nurses’ adherence to nursing care practices for ventilated patients in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.Method: This study employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive cross-sectional design. It was conducted in the ICU of the University Teaching Hospital, targeting all eligible nurses. Despite considering a census approach, not all nurses participated as some were unavailable at the time of data collection. In total, 58 nurses who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire following ethical approval from the local Ethical Committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all respondents before participation. Data analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and binary logistic regression.Results: The study found that nurses’ adherence to nursing care practices was significantly associated with their qualifications (p = 0.033), knowledge (p = 0.025), and staffing levels (p =0.013). Nurses with degree qualifications were 4.2 times more likely to adhere to nursing care practices compared to those with diploma qualifications (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.65 – 6.90), p = 0.033). Adequate knowledge was also a significant predictor, as knowledgeable nurses were 4.8 times more likely to adhere (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 12.43–23.46, p = 0.025). Additionally, staffing levels played a crucial role, with nurses in well-staffed ICUs being 7.5 times more likely to adhere to nursing care practices (OR = 7.5, 95% CI: 3.28 - 4.54, p = 0.013).Conclusion: Adherence to nursing care practices for ventilated patients is significantly influenced by staffing levels, knowledge, and educational qualifications. To enhance adherence and improve patient outcomes, continuous education programs for ICU nurses should be prioritised, alongwith strategic staffing interventions.Keywords: Adherence, Nurses, Nursing Care Practices, Ventilated Patients, Intensive Care Unit.