Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) represent a formidable and persistent challenge within modern intensive care units (ICUs), constituting a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and escalated healthcare costs globally.(1) These infections are defined as serious laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections that occur in a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC) in place within the 48-hour period before the onset of infection, which is not related to an infection at another site.(2) Despite being largely preventable, CLABSIs remain a frequent complication of central venous access, particularly among critically ill patients whose compromised immune systems make them exceptionally vulnerable.(3) The consequences are severe; patients who develop a CLABSI face prolonged hospital stays, increased antimicrobial use, and a significantly elevated risk of mortality.(4) From a systems perspective, these infections impose a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems, consuming resources that could be allocated elsewhere.(5)

The prevention of CLABSIs is a paramount priority in critical care nursing and is the focus of extensive evidence-based guidelines from leading health organizations worldwide, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).(6) These guidelines outline a multifaceted "bundle" approach to prevention, encompassing stringent hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier precautions during insertion, optimal site selection, daily review of line necessity, and meticulous maintenance care involving sterile dressing changes and hub disinfection.(6) The consistent and correct application of these practices is widely recognized as the most effective strategy to reduce the incidence of these devastating infections.(7)

As the healthcare professionals most intimately involved in the daily maintenance and manipulation of central lines, ICU nurses are the undisputed frontline defenders against CLABSIs.(8) Their role is not merely procedural; it is cognitive and behavioral, requiring a deep and nuanced understanding of the evidence-based protocols that underpin safe practice. Consequently, the knowledge, attitudes, and practical adherence of nurses are universally acknowledged as the critical determinants in the success of any CLABSI prevention initiative.(9) A deficiency in knowledge can directly translate into suboptimal practice, inadvertently increasing infection risk.(10)

However, numerous international studies persistently reveal concerning gaps in nurses' knowledge regarding specific aspects of CLABSI prevention. Research from Saudi Arabia, Italy, and China has demonstrated variable levels of understanding among ICU nurses, particularly concerning the frequency of dressing changes, the use of antibiotic ointments, and the protocols for replacing administration sets.(11,12,13) These knowledge gaps suggest a disconnect between established guidelines and clinical practice, potentially stemming from inadequate training, the rapid evolution of guidelines, or contextual barriers within the healthcare environment.(14)

Therefore, assessing the current state of nurses' knowledge is not an academic exercise but a crucial first step in strengthening infection control programs. By identifying specific areas of strength and weakness, healthcare institutions can develop targeted, evidence-based educational interventions and reinforcement strategies. This study aims to contribute to this vital effort by evaluating the knowledge of ICU nurses toward preventing CLABSIs, thereby identifying key areas for improvement to enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes in the intensive care setting.

Table 1 shows the socio-demographic characteristics of 101 participants. Most were aged 25–29 years (38,6 %), with fewer in older age groups. Males (58,4 %) outnumbered females (41,6 %), and the majority were married (63,4 %). Bachelor’s degree holders represented the largest group (63,4 %), followed by diploma (19,8 %) and master or higher (16,8 %). Most had 1–5 years of work experience (40,6 %). The majority worked in government hospitals (84,2 %), and 64,4 % had less than five years of ward experience. Only 31,7 % had prior CLABSI training.

Table 1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Participants (n=101)

Table 2 presents participants’ knowledge regarding CLABSI prevention. More than half correctly identified that CVCs should not be replaced routinely (56,4 %) and that antiseptic-coated catheters are recommended in high infection-risk settings (56,4 %). Knowledge was lower regarding routine dressing changes (46,5 %) and sterile site coverage (45,5 %). About half knew the need for antiseptic site disinfection (48,5 %) and avoiding antibiotic ointment use (47,5 %). Awareness was higher for replacing administration sets with blood products (64,4 %) and disinfecting hubs/connectors (59,4 %). Overall, knowledge levels were moderate, with gaps in key practices.

Table 2. Distribution of Participants' Responses on Knowledge-Related Questions

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge of ICU nurses regarding evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs). The findings reveal a moderate level of overall knowledge among participants, with significant variations across different demographic groups and specific practice domains. These results underscore both the strengths and critical gaps in current understanding, highlighting areas for targeted educational intervention.

The socio-demographic analysis revealed several noteworthy associations. The statistically significant difference in knowledge scores between male (mean=5,14) and female (mean=6,36) nurses (p=0,035) is an intriguing finding that merits further investigation. While biological sex itself is unlikely to be the causative factor, it may be a proxy for other variables such as differences in specialization, engagement in continuous education, or work assignments within the ICU.(15) Similarly, nurses with a Master’s degree or higher demonstrated a notably higher mean knowledge score (7,09) compared to those with a Bachelor’s (5,32) or Diploma (5,50), although this finding was not statistically significant (p=0,068). This trend suggests that advanced education may contribute to a deeper assimilation of complex evidence-based guidelines, a correlation supported by previous research.(14)

A particularly striking finding was the significant disparity in knowledge scores between nurses working in government (mean=7,42) and non-government (mean=6,38) hospitals (p=0,001). This could be indicative of systemic differences in the implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, the frequency and quality of in-service training, or the availability of resources and institutional support for adhering to best practices.(17) Interestingly, prior attendance at a formal course on CLABSI prevention did not result in a significantly higher knowledge score (p=0,416). This suggests that the quality, recency, and practical application of such training may be more critical than its mere occurrence, pointing to a need for more effective, hands-on, and recurrent educational programs rather than one-off sessions.(15)

The analysis of individual knowledge items (table 2) exposes critical and specific gaps in understanding. Alarmingly, less than half of the nurses correctly answered questions regarding fundamental maintenance practices: only 46,5 % knew it is not recommended to change the dressing routinely, 45,5 % knew to cover the site with a sterile dressing, and 48,5 % knew to disinfect the site with an antiseptic. Even more concerning, only 35,6 % knew the correct protocol for replacing administration sets for continuous fluids other than blood or lipids. These gaps are particularly dangerous as they relate to daily, routine nursing care where lapses can directly introduce pathogens.

Conversely, areas of stronger knowledge were also identified. A majority of nurses (64,4 %) correctly answered regarding the replacement of administration sets for blood and lipid emulsions, and 59,4 % knew to use an antiseptic to clean the catheter hub. This indicates that knowledge is not uniformly lacking but is inconsistent, with strengths in some protocol areas and weaknesses in others.

When viewed through the lens of established literature, these findings are consistent with a global pattern. Studies from Saudi Arabia, Italy, and China have similarly reported moderate knowledge levels among ICU nurses, with inconsistencies in the understanding of dressing protocols, hub disinfection, and the use of antibiotic ointments.(11,12,13) This recurrent theme across different healthcare systems suggests a universal challenge in translating guidelines into embedded knowledge and consistent practice.

The implications of these knowledge gaps are profound. As the primary caregivers responsible for CVC maintenance, nurses’ knowledge is the first line of defense against CLABSIs.(16) Misconceptions about basic procedures can directly lead to breaches in aseptic technique, increasing infection risk, patient morbidity, and healthcare costs.(3) Therefore, the identified gaps are not merely academic but represent tangible patient safety risks.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that while ICU nurses possess foundational knowledge of CLABSI prevention, significant and dangerous gaps persist, particularly in the daily maintenance and monitoring of central lines. These gaps are associated with factors such as gender, educational level, and hospital sector.

To address these findings, the following recommendations are proposed:

Implement regular, mandatory, and simulation-based training programs focused specifically on the identified weak areas, such as dressing change protocols, site disinfection, and administration set replacement.

Develop and disseminate clear, concise, and accessible job aids (e.g., checklists, posters) for placement at the point of care to serve as quick reminders of evidence-based protocols.

Hospitals, particularly in the non-government sector, should invest in strengthening their IPC infrastructure and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adherence to best practices.

Future research should employ a mixed-methods approach, combining knowledge assessments with direct observational audits of practice and qualitative exploration of the barriers to guideline adherence.