Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: BMC Nursing

DOI: 10.1186/s12912-026-05382-5

Authors: Amira El-Sayed, Sabah Alsharkawy, Eman Abdelfattah Hassan, Hoda Wahid, Nema Ragab, Hagar Abd El-Hamid

Institutions: October 6 University, Ain Shams University, Cairo University, Misr University for Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090