Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, And Decision-Making Skills Related to Sepsis Management, in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Sepsis remains a major global health issue with high mortality rates and significant healthcare burdens. Nurses play a vital role in early detection and management, yet gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) persist, affecting adherence to evidence-based guidelines. This study assesses critical care nurses' KAP and decision-making skills in sepsis management. Aim: to assess critical care nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making skills regarding sepsis management. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 critical care nurses in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was evaluated through multiple-choice questions, while attitudes and practices were assessed via a Likert scale. Statistical analyses examined correlations between KAP variables. Results: knowledge was significantly higher among male nurses (p < 0.001), non-Saudis (p = 0.002), and those with a bachelor's degree (p = 0.009). In contrast, attitudes were significantly associated with the nurses' position in the hospital (p = 0.031), where charge nurses had the highest scores. Additionally, practice scores were significantly higher among non-Saudi nurses (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Despite high adherence to guidelines, knowledge and attitudinal gaps remain. Most of the participants level of knowledge between weak and average regarding sepsis management. In the same line participants’ attitude towards management of sepsis ranged between weak and average. Recommendations: Educational interventions, including simulation-based training and interdisciplinary workshops, are essential to enhance competency. Future research should evaluate long-term educational impacts on clinical decision-making.