Abstract Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of post-operative morbidity, prolonged hospitalisation and increased healthcare costs. Nurses play a pivotal role in SSI prevention, yet knowledge gaps often exist, especially in developing countries. Structured teaching programmes (STPs) are effective interventions to enhance nurses’ knowledge and adherence to evidence-based practices. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a STP on nurses’ knowledge regarding the prevention of SSIs and to examine the association between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. Materials and Methods: A one-group pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design was conducted among 40 registered nurses in a selected hospital. A structured knowledge questionnaire on SSI prevention was administered before and 1 week after the intervention. The STP included lectures, demonstrations, printed materials and interactive sessions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t -test and analysis of variance. Results: Pre-test assessment indicated that 80% of nurses had average knowledge, 15% good and 5% poor knowledge. Post-intervention, 67.5% achieved excellent knowledge, and 32.5% had good knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 10.50 ± 2.20 to 19.40 ± 1.90 ( t = 27.81, P < 0.05). Years of professional experience and duration in the current position were significantly associated with post-test knowledge scores ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The STP was highly effective in improving nurses’ knowledge regarding SSI prevention. Continuous educational interventions should be implemented to enhance infection control practices, improve patient outcomes and reduce SSIs in healthcare settings.
