Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Intramuscular Injection to the Deltoid Site: A Descriptive–Correlational Study

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular injection is a core nursing procedure often performed at the deltoid site for vaccinations, and nurses' knowledge and attitudes are key elements of its safe administration. METHOD: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 170 nurses at a university hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected with the nurse information form, the Questionnaire of Knowledge for Deltoid Muscle Injection (QKDMI), and the Questionnaire of Attitudes for Deltoid Muscle Injection (QADMI). RESULTS: The ventrogluteal site was most preferred (41.2%), and the deltoid site was least preferred (10%). Mean scores were 8.76 ± 3.06 (QKDMI) and 82.74 ± 6.90 (QADMI). Adequate knowledge was observed in 26.5% of nurses, whereas 61.8% showed adequate attitudes. Knowledge and attitudes were weakly positively correlated. CONCLUSION: Nurses have insufficient knowledge about deltoid muscle injection techniques, despite demonstrating moderately positive attitudes toward their use. Targeted education and practical training are recommended to promote safe, evidence-based deltoid injection practices.