# Knowledge of Polish Nurses About Sepsis Based on Validated Questionnaire: A Multi-Site Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

Polish nurses have moderate knowledge about sepsis, with better results among those with postgraduate training or working in high-acuity settings.

## Contribution

The study evaluates sepsis knowledge among Polish nurses using a validated questionnaire and identifies factors influencing their knowledge and attitudes.

## Key findings

- Nurses with postgraduate education and experience in high-acuity settings showed higher sepsis knowledge scores.
- Nurses in larger cities scored higher in general knowledge compared to those in rural areas.
- Greater age and work experience correlated with better attitudes and self-assessed knowledge but lower some knowledge scores.

## Abstract

Background: Nurses play a fundamental role in identifying the early symptoms of sepsis and thereby contribute to early diagnosis and prevention, which decreases complications and mortality rates and lowers the cost of care. This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge of sepsis and to analyze its relationship with attitude, self-assessment, and sociodemographic variables. Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 293 nurses in Poland using a validated tool, the Nurses’ Attitudes and Knowledge about Sepsis Scale (NAKSeS), which assesses both knowledge and attitudes toward sepsis. The instrument included two knowledge subscales (Factor 1: knowledge of pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention; Factor 2: knowledge of nursing actions), an attitude subscale, and a self-assessment item. Sociodemographic data included age, seniority, voluntary postgraduate education, current workplace, and place of residence. Results: Nurses demonstrated moderate levels of general knowledge, Factor 1, Factor 2, attitude toward sepsis, and self-assessed knowledge. Higher scores across all domains were observed among nurses who had completed postgraduate education, cited professional experience or books as key sources of knowledge, and worked in high-acuity settings such as intensive care units, emergency departments, or pediatric wards. Nurses working in larger cities scored significantly higher in general knowledge and Factor 1 compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. Additionally, greater age and longer work experience were positively associated with more favorable attitudes and higher self-assessed knowledge, although negatively correlated with some knowledge scores. Conclusions: Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward sepsis were influenced by the source of education and clinical exposure, with significantly better outcomes observed among those with postgraduate training and experience in high-acuity settings. These findings underscore the need to strengthen sepsis education across all levels of nursing curricula and promote accessible, continuous professional development supported by validated assessment tools.