Nursing knowledge and competence regarding care and management of the Purple Kit at Martín Icaza Hospital
Keywords:
Technical competence, knowledge, nursing, Purple Kit, sexual violenceAbstract
Sexual violence is a public health problem that has significant physical, psychological, and social repercussions for victims; therefore, immediate care and the timely use of the Purple Kit are essential strategies for preventing sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. In this context, nursing staff play an essential role in activating the Purple Code and implementing comprehensive care protocols. The overall objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and technical competence of nursing staff regarding initial care and the use of the Purple Kit at Martín Icaza General Hospital during the period from March to July 2026. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive approach with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 65 nursing professionals, who were administered a structured questionnaire to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The results showed that 86.2% of the staff correctly identified the concept of Code Purple and the current regulations, while 80.0% properly recognized the Purple Kit. However, weaknesses were identified regarding post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and the duration of antiretroviral treatment. Likewise, limitations were observed in the conduct of institutional drills and in the constant availability of the Purple Kit. It is concluded that nursing staff demonstrate an overall favorable level of knowledge and technical competence; however, specific gaps persist that warrant the design and implementation of ongoing training strategies aimed at strengthening comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jessica Mariela Chamorro-Tonato, Kerly Naomi Paredes-Uchubanda, Silvana Ximena López-Paredes
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