Nurses' knowledge, practices, and attitudes of intravenous fluid therapy at a healthcare facility in the Volta Region of Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

Seyram  Kpormegbe-Sallah; Siyanda A  Ngema; Tendani S  Ramukumba

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2073

Authors

Seyram Kpormegbe-Sallah Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.
Siyanda A Ngema Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.
Tendani S Ramukumba Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2073

Keywords:

intravenous infusion therapy, nurses, knowledge, practices, attitude, Ghana, hospital, IVI management

Abstract

Background:

Intravenous infusion therapy is essential to clinical care but poses risks, including phlebitis, fluid overload, and infections when inadequately managed. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective Intravenous administration. This study assessed nurses' knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding intravenous infusion therapy at a healthcare facility in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Methods:

A quantitative exploratory-descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit 269 registered nurses through a self-reporting questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests analysed relationships between knowledge, practices, and attitudes.

Results:

Overall knowledge levels were satisfactory; 96.7% identified correct IV insertion sites, 81.4% correctly calculated infusion rates, and 85.5% confirmed drug compatibility. However, gaps existed in recognising air embolism symptoms (43.1%). Practice analysis revealed 81.8% of nurses assess IV sites regularly and 75.1% recognise phlebitis symptoms, yet nearly half (49.1%) do not practice correct peripheral IV dressing change frequency. Additionally, 29.7% provided incorrect responses regarding medication administration through active IV lines. Significant associations were found between self-reported IV competence and phlebitis management knowledge (χ² = 17.342, df = 4, p = 0.002) and between formal IV training and infusion rate adjustment knowledge (χ² = 6.478, df = 1, p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Nurses demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, practices, and positive attitudes toward IV therapy. Knowledge deficits in key safety areas underscore the need for targeted training and institutional support.

Recommendation:

Healthcare facilities should implement structured in-service training programs that target specific knowledge gaps, particularly in recognising air embolism and preventing phlebitis. Developing and disseminating standardised institutional protocols and national guidelines is essential for enhancing Intravenous infusion practice consistency and safety.

Author Biographies

Seyram Kpormegbe-Sallah, Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.

is a registered nurse at Ho Teaching Hospital, an assistant lecturer at Ho University of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery. He is a researcher at the Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. His research interests include the management of intravenous therapy, patient safety, and nursing education in resource-limited settings.

Siyanda A Ngema, Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.

is a lecturer at the Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology. He holds expertise in nephrology nursing science, research methodology, clinical nursing education, and healthcare quality improvement. His research focuses on nursing practice standards and the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Tendani S Ramukumba, Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.

is an associate professor at the Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology. She specialises in community nursing, nursing education, research methodology, ethics and research integrity, and evidence-based practice. Her research encompasses leadership in nursing practice, prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and improved healthcare delivery in African contexts.

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