Knowledge of Renal Nurses on Factors of Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Hemodialysis Patients in Ikeja Lagos State

Arteriovenous fistula is a popular vascular access in patients for hemodialysis. However, it is threatened with high rate of failure. The failure of arteriovenous fistula results to high cost and wastage for the patient and the healthcare agency. This study assessed the knowledge of renal nurses on factors of arteriovenous fistula failure in hemodialysis patients in two dialysis centers in Lagos State, Nigeria.This study adopted a descriptive design using structured questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire was administered to 62 renal nurses with 60 copies retrieved representing 97% return rate. Data obtained were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results show that 60 (100%) of the nurses have adequate knowledge of arteriovenous fistula failure in hemodialysis patients. Findings show that 56(93.3%) of respondents use Rope Ladder Button Hole and Area Puncture needling techniques and 58(96.7%) perform the first cannulation of the AVF within 6 – 8 weeks after its creation. Tests of hypotheses reveal a significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and arteriovenous fistula failure with (P=0.006 < 0.05), but there was no significant relationship between nurses’ needling technique and arteriovenous fistula failure with (P=0.086 > 0.05).The study recommends initial and regular training of new and experienced nurses to update their knowledge and skills in the use of AVF in hemodialysis patients. Additionally, management should encourage consistent coaching and supervision of nurses to validate their knowledge and skills in the management of hemodialysis patients to prevent arteriovenous fistula failure. Keywords: Nurses, Knowledge, Arteriovenous fistula failure, Hemodialysis, Needling technique, DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/81-08 Publication date:October 31st 202