Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Prevention of Post-Operative Complications at Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Introduction
Post-operative complications (POCs) remain a major public health concern worldwide, contributing significantly to patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Nurses play a central role in post-operative surveillance and prevention. However, in resource-limited settings such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) may compromise patient safety. This study assessed nurses' KAP regarding prevention of POCs at Wangata General Referral Hospital (HGR Wangata) in Mbandaka.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to October 2025 among 157 nurses working in surgical, intensive care, emergency, and internal medicine departments at HGR Wangata. A structured questionnaire was administered following a pretest. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (SPSS version 25). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
The sample was predominantly male (60%) and highly experienced (35% had ≥25 years of experience). However, only 10% had participated in continuing education. Bleeding was the most frequently encountered complication (75.2%), followed by infection (5.1%). Antibiotic prophylaxis was the most commonly used preventive method (45.2%), while hand hygiene (24.2%) and patient education (20.3%) were underutilized. Wound assessment was primarily performed via regular visual inspection (59.9%), with less emphasis on pain assessment (29.9%). Significant associations were found between clinical practices and age (χ² = 54.55, p < 0.001), gender (χ² = 20.91, p < 0.001), years of experience (χ² = 66.62, p < 0.001), and education level (χ² = 66.62, p < 0.001). Most nurses (94.9%) recognized patient education as very important, yet its implementation remained limited.
Conclusion
While nurses at HGR Wangata possess substantial clinical experience, significant gaps exist in continuing education, adoption of non-pharmacological preventive measures, and patient education practices. Heterogeneity in clinical practices underscores the need for standardized protocols, regular training, and institutional support for evidence-based nursing care.
Keywords
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How to cite
Liongo Lokwa, R. (2026). Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Prevention of Post-Operative Complications at Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0038-nurses-knowledge-attitudes-and-practices-regarding-prevention-of-post