Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes toward Palliative Care for Terminal Surgical Patients in Omdurman Teaching Hospital, Sudan 2025

Abstract

Background and Aims: Palliative care is a patient-centered, holistic approach aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with life-threatening illnesses by addressing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care for terminal surgical patients at Omdurman Teaching Hospital, Sudan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 registered nurses selected through stratified random sampling from surgical wards and intensive care units. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge (20 multiple-choice questions), and attitudes (10 Likert-scale items). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean knowledge score was 12.8 ± 3.2 (moderate), and the mean attitude score was 4.1 ± 0.5 (positive). Moderate knowledge and positive attitudes were observed in 52.6% and 58.6% of participants, respectively. Knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated (r = .35, P = .004). Years of experience and age showed positive correlations with knowledge (r = .42, P =.001; r = .25, P = .006) and attitudes (r = .29, P = .02; r = .18, P = .04). No significant correlation was found with gender. Conclusion: Although nurses showed moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward palliative care, further improvement is needed. Strengthening nurses’ competencies through structured education, continuous professional training, mentorship, and institutional support is essential to enhance the quality of palliative care provided to terminal surgical patients in Sudan.