Assessment of Nurses’ Competence in Urinary Catheter Care at Anambra State University Teaching Hospital

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections represent a major category of preventable healthcare-associated infections, and nursing competence in catheter care is a critical preventive factor. Aim: This study assessed nurses' competence in urinary catheter care at Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, South East Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design recruited 85 registered nurses through stratified random sampling. Competence was assessed using a validated knowledge questionnaire and clinical skills observation checklist. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression in SPSS version 26. Results: Knowledge of catheter care guidelines was adequate in 68% of participants; however, correct clinical technique was observed in only 51% of procedures. Significant deficits were noted in catheter bag positioning, sterile field maintenance, and meatal hygiene. Nurses who had received focused catheter care training in the past two years performed significantly better. Conclusion: Competence gaps in urinary catheter care predispose patients to avoidable infections. Standardised catheter care bundles, clinical simulation training, and routine nursing audits are essential quality improvement interventions for Nigerian hospitals. Keywords: catheter care, urinary tract infections, nursing competence, Anambra, healthcare-associated infections.