Self-reported knowledge, practice, and associated factors in pre-referral ocular injury management among nurses in Syria

Abstract Ocular injuries require prompt and appropriate management to prevent further damage; nurses often play a key role in early assessment before referral. This study assessed nurses’ knowledge and practice in initial ocular injury management and associated factors. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 373 nurses in seven Syrian hospitals from February to April 2026, using a 20-item knowledge questionnaire and a 25-item practice questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests, correlation, and regression analyses. The mean knowledge score was 75.06 ± 14.16 (good level), while the mean practice score was 113.08 ± 11.85 (90.5%, excellent level); 83.9% demonstrated excellent practice. Although 61.1% reported no previous ophthalmic training, training was associated with higher knowledge (P < 0.001) and practice (P = 0.002). Knowledge was positively correlated with practice (rₛ = 0.455, P < 0.001). Previous ophthalmic training was independently associated with knowledge (β = −0.301, P < 0.001), while knowledge was independently associated with practice (β = 0.330, P < 0.001). Nurses reported good knowledge and excellent practice; however, self-reported measures and the cross-sectional design preclude inference of objective clinical competency. Targeted education and standardized protocols may strengthen preparedness.