A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Prevention of DVT Among Patients After Orthopaedic Surgery with a View to Displaying an Information Poster in Selected Hospitals in Palakkad District

Abstract

Due to extended immobility and surgical trauma, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious postoperative complication among patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. The study's objectives were to evaluate patients' knowledge of DVT prevention after orthopaedic surgery and to ascertain the relationship between DVT preventive knowledge and certain demographic factors. A descriptive study design and a quantitative technique were used. Patients who had undergone orthopaedic surgery made up the study population, and 40 patients were chosen for the sample using a non-probability convenience selection method. The Health Belief Model served as the study's framework. A systematic knowledge questionnaire was used to gather data, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. According to the findings, 12.5% of patients had strong awareness about preventing DVT, 70% had average knowledge, and 17.5% had poor knowledge. The results revealed no statistically significant correlation between the chosen demographic characteristics and the degree of knowledge about DVT prevention. The majority of orthopaedic surgery patients had an average level of knowledge about preventing DVT, according to the study's findings. Therefore, to increase awareness and lower the risk of DVT, rigorous patient education regarding preventive measures and adherence to advised postoperative procedures is crucial.