Nasogastric tube feeding is a very vital among patients with conditions that cannot allow them to feed orally. They are also used for drug administration. The study aimed to assess the knowledge attitude and practices towards the nasogastric tube insertion among the nurses of International Hospital Kampala. The study employed a cross sectional research design. The sample size of 120 respondents who were nurses was selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS. Findings about nurse’s knowledge towards insertion of the nosagastric tube indicated good knowledge. This was because all the nurses had ever heard about it and understood its use and got this information during their formal training. All of them knew the indications for nasogastric tube. Majority 98 (82%) knew the determinants of selecting the nasogastric tube size where they mentioned age, weight, condition of the patient and diagnosis. They 78 (94%) were also aware of confirming the right position where the tube is inserted and this could be indicated by aspiration of the stomach contents. Nurses generally had poor attitude because; majority 75 (62.5%) felt unonformable when inserting the nasogastric tube, 92 (76.7%) would not accept insertion of a nasogatric tube if they fell sick, 72 (60%) believed that all patients feel uncomfortable when inserting it. Nurse had fair practices in NG tube insertion where; 65 (54.1%) introduced and explained the procedure to the patients, 76 (63.3%) checked the position of the tube, 70 (58.3%) kept the tube in a firm and secure position, 67 (55.8%) left the patients in a comfortable position and 59 (49.2%) maintained good hygiene. However; 83 (69.2%) partially prepared for the procedure i.e. swabs, water, stethoscope, gloves, litmus paper, appropriate size of tube, 20mls syringe, 70 (58.4%) partially washed their hands and put on gloves, 56 (46.7%) did not position the patient well in a sit up position with head a bit flexed before inserting the tube, 66 (55%) partially cleaned the nostril, and demonstrated proper insertion of tube from the tip, behind the ear up to the tip of the sternum. In conclusion, nurses were knowledgeable about NGT insertion and its uses but had a negative attitude on its insertion because they did not want it to be used upon them, felt uncomfortable when inserting it due to patients reactions such as sneezing, coughing and unnecessary movements. This could have led to inappropriate insertions that could cause trauma and other side effects to patients. The researcher suggest that, all nurses are given on the job training about NGT insertion so that they develop a positive attitude towards its use which could lead to good practice thus quality service delivery to the patients.

show more