Changes in pediatric oncology nurses' knowledge and observed mucormycosis-prevention practices following an educational programme: a one-group pretest-posttest study.

BACKGROUND

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection increasingly affecting immunocompromised individuals, including children receiving chemotherapy. Its rising prevalence and severe outcomes highlight the importance of prevention. Nurses play a pivotal role, requiring improved knowledge and strict adherence to infection control practices.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in pediatric oncology nurses' knowledge and observed mucormycosis-prevention practices following an educational programme.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental design with pre- and posttest assessments were used. The study was conducted at the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE) 57,357 and included 81 nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess characteristics and knowledge, along with an observational checklist designed to evaluate nurses' practices. The educational intervention consisted of three sessions covering mucormycosis risk factors, pathophysiology, and infection control measures.

RESULTS

The mean knowledge score increased from 5.82 ± 0.91 to 12.1 ± 0.76 (p < 0.001), and the mean practice score increased from 3.86 ± 1.13 to 7.58 ± 1.02 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores in both preintervention (r = 0.348, p = 0.001) and postintervention (r = 0.382, p < 0.001). Knowledge and observed practice scores increased significantly following the educational sessions.

CONCLUSION

Structured educational sessions were associated with significant short-term improvements in nurses' knowledge and observed mucormycosis-prevention practices. As patient outcomes and mucormycosis incidence were not measured, these findings should not be interpreted as evidence of reduced infection rates. Continuous professional development and targeted training are important for strengthening infection prevention knowledge and practices among pediatric oncology nurses.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.