UNDERSTANDING GENETIC DISORDERS: EVALUATING NURSING KNOWLEDGE FOR IMPROVED PATIENT CARE

Author Name: 1. Mehjbeen Bano, 2. Dr. Jogendra Sharma, 3. Ramesh Kumar Jangir, 4. Sunita Kumari

Volume/Issue: 05/10

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/03.2025-73935828/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Nursing Tutor, College of Nursing,Govt Medical College, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2. Principal, Govt. College of Nursing, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
3. Lecturer, Govt. College of Nursing, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
4. Lecturer, College of Nursing, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, thalassemia, and hemophilia, pose significant health challenges worldwide. Nurses play a crucial role in genetic counseling, early diagnosis, and patient education. Assessing their knowledge is essential for improving healthcare services. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge regarding selected genetic disorders among staff nurses working in a selected hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, with a view to developing an information booklet. Methodology: A descriptive research design was used with a sample of 100 staff nurses selected through a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire, and statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings revealed that 40% of staff nurses had poor knowledge, 37% had an average level of knowledge, and only 23% demonstrated excellent knowledge regarding genetic disorders. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and demographic variables such as age, years of experience, in-service education, and previous work experience in a genetic ward. However, no significant association was found with gender, marital status, or educational qualification. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for educational interventions to enhance nurses’ knowledge about genetic disorders. The development of an information booklet can serve as an effective tool to bridge the knowledge gap and improve patient care.

Key words: Genetic disorders, nursing knowledge, Down syndrome, thalassemia, hemophilia, genetic counseling.