International Journal of Research in Medical Surgical Nursing

Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors and Preventive Measures of Cataract Among Diabetic Patients Attending a Selected Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram

Soumya B. S — 2026-08-21

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an important systemic risk factor for cataract, and people with diabetes may develop cataract earlier and experience faster progression. Knowledge of risk factors and preventive measures can support timely eye care and healthy self-management. This study assessed knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive measures of cataract among diabetic patients attending a selected hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive design was used. The study was conducted in the Endocrinology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Ninety patients with diabetes mellitus who met the eligibility criteria were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Section A assessed selected sociodemographic and clinical variables, and Section B consisted of 20 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge. Each correct response was awarded one mark. Knowledge was categorized as good (15–20), average (10–14), or poor (0–9). Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were used; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among the 90 participants, 36.7% were aged 51–60 years, 32.2% were aged 61–70 years, 22.2% were aged 71 years or above, and 8.9% were aged 50 years or below. Males constituted 62.2% and females 37.8%. Sixty percent reported a family history of diabetes. Regarding duration of diabetes, 27.8% had diabetes for less than 5 years, 35.6% for 5–10 years, and 36.6% for more than 10 years. Overall, 53.3% had average knowledge, 41.1% had good knowledge, and 5.6% had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 13.77±2.760. Knowledge was significantly associated with duration of diabetes (χ²=5.477, df=4, p=0.046).

Conclusion: Most participants had average knowledge, indicating an opportunity to strengthen diabetes-related eye-health education. Duration of diabetes was significantly associated with knowledge, suggesting that repeated contact with health services may influence awareness. Structured and continuous patient education, regular eye-health assessment, and reinforcement of preventive practices should be incorporated into routine diabetes care.

Comparative Analysis of Protein Levels of HIV Patients with Tuberculosis and Non-Tuberculosis Patients

Orji, Chiamaka C. — 2026-08-29

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with both pathogens synergistic in weakening host cell-mediated immunity. This study evaluated and compared the serum total protein levels of HIV-infected patients with and without tuberculosis co-infection. A cross-sectional comparative study design was conducted involving 200 HIV-seropositive individuals attending Faith Alive Foundation Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Subjects were divided into two equal groups: 100 HIV-infected patients without TB and 100 HIV/TB co-infected patients. Serum total protein was quantitatively determined using the Biuret method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.0, employing Student's t-test with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Serum total protein levels were significantly lower in HIV/TB co-infected patients compared to HIV patients without TB, with mean values of 48.27 ± 11.06 g/L and 61.01 ± 9.32 g/L, respectively (p < 0.05). Comparative sub-analysis based on gender revealed no statistically significant differences in serum total protein concentrations within the HIV/TB co-infected group (male: 49.11 ± 9.57 g/L vs. female: 47.80 ± 11.86 g/L; p > 0.05) or the non-TB HIV group (male: 62.24 ± 9.77 g/L vs. female: 60.29 ± 9.05 g/L; p > 0.05). Similarly, age distribution showed no significant effect on protein status (p > 0.05). In conclusion, HIV/TB co-infection is associated with a severe reduction in serum protein levels, whereas gender and age do not significantly influence protein depletion. Integrating high-protein therapeutic nutritional support alongside antiretroviral and anti-tuberculosis therapy is strongly recommended.

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Educational Programme on Knowledge and Self-Care Practices Regarding Hypertension among Patients Attending the Medical Outpatient Department of a Selected Hospital at Bagalkot

Chetan Sangati — 2026-09-22

Background: Hypertension is a common chronic cardiovascular condition and an important modifiable risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and premature mortality. Because hypertension is frequently asymptomatic, patients may have limited awareness of the condition and may not consistently follow recommended treatment and self-care practices. Patient education delivered by nurses can strengthen understanding of the disease and support adherence to medication, dietary modification, physical activity, blood pressure monitoring, and prevention of complications.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational programme on knowledge and self-care practices regarding hypertension among patients attending the Medical Outpatient Department of a selected hospital in Bagalkot, Karnataka.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the pre-test level of knowledge and self-care practices regarding hypertension; evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational programme on knowledge and self-care practices; and determine the association between pre-test knowledge and self-care practices and selected demographic and clinical variables.

Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted. Sixty patients diagnosed with hypertension and attending the Medical Outpatient Department of a selected hospital in Bagalkot were included using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a self-care practice assessment scale. After the pre-test, participants received a nurse-led educational programme addressing the nature of hypertension, risk factors, medication adherence, dietary modification, physical activity, weight management, stress reduction, blood pressure monitoring, and prevention of complications. A post-test was conducted after the predetermined period. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Before the intervention, 36 participants (60.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 20 (33.3%) had moderately adequate knowledge, and 4 (6.7%) had adequate knowledge. After the programme, the corresponding proportions were 4 (6.7%), 18 (30.0%), and 38 (63.3%). For self-care practices, 34 participants (56.7%) had poor practices, 22 (36.7%) had moderate practices, and 4 (6.7%) had good practices before the intervention. After the programme, 5 (8.3%) had poor practices, 19 (31.7%) had moderate practices, and 36 (60.0%) had good practices. The mean knowledge score increased from 11.24 ± 3.18 to 18.62 ± 2.41, a mean difference of 7.38. The mean self-care practice score increased from 38.45 ± 6.72 to 52.36 ± 5.84 (mean difference = 13.91). The reported t values were 15.42 for knowledge and 13.86 for self-care practices, with p < 0.001 for both outcomes.

Conclusion: The study findings indicate that the nurse-led educational programme was effective in improving knowledge and self-care practices regarding hypertension among the study participants. Systematic nursing education may therefore be incorporated into routine outpatient care to strengthen patient participation in long-term hypertension management and support prevention of complications.

Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Application of Protocol of Management Among Critically Ill Patients in Critical Care Setting in Governmental Hospital Khartoum State Sudan 2026

Sara Elriah Abdalla Omer — 2026-10-05

This study explores nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the application of critical care management protocols among critically ill patients in a governmental hospital setting in Khartoum, Sudan, in 2026. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 40 nurses with a mean age of 25.5 years; they were predominantly female, held qualifications ranging from diploma to master's degrees, and had more than two years of critical care experience. Results indicate that nurses have a high level of knowledge (100% with good knowledge) and are highly familiar with protocols such as airway management, ventilator settings, and infection control. Attitudes towards protocol adherence are generally positive, with 95% considering protocol compliance a priority, though only 5% demonstrated a good attitude score. Practice assessments revealed that over half of the nurses exhibited good compliance with protocol-based interventions, such as medication administration and vital sign monitoring. Significant correlations were found between knowledge and practice (p=0.0001) and between qualification level and attitude (p=0.004). The findings underscore the importance of ongoing training and support to enhance compliance and improve patient outcomes in critical care settings. Recommendations include targeted educational programs to sustain high standards of care and reinforce positive attitudes towards protocol adherence.