Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Nurses Regarding the Management of Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke at Kabgayi Hospital

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke remains a major contributor to neurological morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where timely and coordinated care is critical. Nurses play a central role in the assessment, monitoring, and prevention of secondary complications in patients with hemorrhagic stroke; however, evidence on their knowledge and practices in resource-limited settings is limited. Objective: This study assessed nurses’ knowledge and clinical practices and examined their influence on the management of patients with hemorrhagic stroke at Kabgayi Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted among 87 registered nurses working in medical and intensive care units. Stratified random sampling was applied. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, practices, and management of hemorrhagic stroke. Descriptive statistics summarized variable levels, while Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between knowledge, practices, and patient management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Nurses demonstrated a high level of hemorrhagic stroke management (mean = 4.11, SD = 0.67), particularly in complication prevention and multidisciplinary collaboration. Knowledge levels were high (mean = 4.03, SD = 0.65), although gaps were identified in stroke pathophysiology. Clinical practices were also rated high (mean = 4.03, SD = 0.65), with documentation scoring highest and timely neurological assessments scoring comparatively lower. A moderate positive correlation was observed between nurses’ knowledge and patient management (ρ = 0.509, p < 0.001), while nurses’ practices showed a very strong positive correlation with patient management (ρ = 1.000, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hemorrhagic stroke management at Kabgayi Hospital is predominantly driven by nurses’ clinical practices, supported by adequate knowledge. Strengthening practice-focused training, institutional support, and multidisciplinary stroke care is essential to optimize patient outcomes in resource-constrained healthcare settings.