Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Determinants of Wound Management Among Nurses and Midwives in Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Surgical site infection rates in Sub-Saharan African tertiary hospitals remain high. As primary frontline caregivers, nurses' and midwives' theoretical knowledge and bedside practice directly govern clinical outcomes. However, empirical data evaluating baseline competence and its determinants in Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohamed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital remain limited. To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, self-reported practices, and associated determinants regarding wound care among nurses and midwives at Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohamed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15 to 30, 2026. Systematic random sampling selected 188 participants from a source population of 337 registered nurses and midwives. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire adapted from national guidelines and analysed using SPSS v25. Multivariable logistic regression computed Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Spearman correlation (ρ) and Chi-square tests evaluated domain relationships. Among 178 respondents (94.7% response rate), 33.7% demonstrated good theoretical knowledge (> 6.0), 49.4% held an excellent attitude (> 4.0), and 42.1% reported exemplary practice (> 4.0). Multivariable regression revealed formal in-service training as the sole independent predictor of good knowledge (AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: [2.45, 15.28], p < 0.001). Independent predictors of exemplary practice were clinical experience > 5 years (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: [1.39, 5.17], p = 0.003) and good knowledge (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: [1.08, 4.24], p = 0.029). Knowledge and practice scores showed a significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.398, p < 0.001). Although nurses maintain favourable attitudes, theoretical knowledge regarding evidence-based wound care remains suboptimal. This gap is driven primarily by a lack of post-service training rather than basic academic qualifications. Structured continuous professional development programs are urgently required.