A Cross-Sectional Study on the Awareness and Practice of the Use of Supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc in Managing Wounds Among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The intricate connection between nutrition and compromised wound healing exposes patients to heightened risks of pressure ulcers, infections, and delayed recovery from wounds or traumatic injuries. In-depth scientific investigations have shed light on the potential of specialized nutritional supplements, combined with regular wound care, to significantly boost the management of pressure ulcers and the wound healing process. The study focuses on supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc due to their established roles in wound healing, aiming to assess the awareness and practice of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia regarding these essential nutrients for effective wound management. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness and practice among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc in managing wounds. MethodsThis study adopts a cross-sectional research design to explore the dynamics to assess the awareness and practice among healthcare workers about the use of supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc in managing wounds in Saudi Arabia. The research methodology encompasses developing and validating a questionnaire, data collection, and subsequent analysis. Thorough statistical analyses, encompassing descriptive statistics, validated assessment scales, and inferential statistics, were conducted using SPSS and Microsoft Excel to explore intricacy prevalence and severity relationships with various factors, maintaining a statistical power of 80% at a cutoff value of 0.05. ResultIn a cross-sectional survey of 510 healthcare professionals, the socio-demographic analysis revealed a predominant hospital workplace (61.56%), with pharmacists representing 10.19%, and comprehensive tabulation of response rates and p-values, while the knowledge and awareness assessment demonstrated varied understanding and perceptions of wound care supplements, including frequent encounters with pressure ulcers or wounds (36.5%), diverse awareness levels for Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc, with the collaboration and communication dynamics among healthcare workers, detailed in tabulated response rates and p-values. ConclusionThe findings reveal a diverse understanding landscape, with varying levels of awareness, perceived effectiveness, and confidence in applying these supplements.