Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs), contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Nurses in ICUs play a critical role in implementing prevention strategies. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate ICU nurses' knowledge of and compliance with VAP prevention strategies in Hebron hospitals, and to examine associations with demographic variables. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 ICU nurses from six hospitals in Hebron, Palestine. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge (15 items) and compliance (17 Likert-scale items). Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman's correlation were used for analysis. RESULTS: Nurses demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding VAP prevention (mean correct responses = 50.96%). Significant differences in knowledge were observed based on gender (P = .044), hospital type (P = .011), and education level (P = .001). Overall compliance was high (mean score = 2.55 out of 3), with the highest adherence reported in hand hygiene and patient positioning practices. Nurses from private hospitals reported significantly higher compliance (P = .003). However, no significant correlation was found between knowledge and compliance (P = .062). CONCLUSION: Despite moderate knowledge, ICU nurses demonstrated high compliance with VAP prevention strategies. However, inconsistencies in certain practices and the lack of a strong correlation between knowledge and compliance suggest that experience alone may not ensure adherence. Targeted educational interventions, standardization of protocols, and institutional support are essential to improving VAP prevention in ICUs.