Knowledge of Risk Factors and Prevention of Falls Among Nurses for Hospitalised Elderly Patients in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital

Abstract Falls are a major public health issue affecting millions of elderly patients. This study evaluated nurses 'Knowledge of falls in elderly patients in irrua specialist teaching hospital. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted amongst 265 Nurses in ISTH. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistic. Findings showed that the nurses had high level of knowledge on the risk factors of falls in hospitalized elderly patients were environmental hazards (84.9%), improper use of bedrails (84.9%), improper/ limited use of assistive devices or aids (84.2%), foot and or foot wear problems (79.6%), muscle weakness (71.7%), postural hypotension (71.7%) and multiple medications (70.6%). Findings showed that the nurses had high level of knowledge on prevention of falls in hospitalized elderly patients. Majority of the respondents knew proper positioning of seats and sitting position,(99.2%), proper adhesion of footwear (98.9%), proper orientation to the environment 98.5%), proper environmental care 98.1%), proper support of the elderly when standing (96.2%), adequate assistance during procedure or movement (95.5%), use of side rails (90.2%) can help prevent falls in hospitalized elderly patients. Finding ls from the study shoed that the knowledge of risk factors and fall reduction intervention was high among the respondents. Nevertheless, there is a need for extensive education and training programs for nurses on fall amd risk factors of fall to reduce fall occurrence thereby ensuring patient safety.