KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EVIDENCE BASED PRATCICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NURSES WORKING AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF HARARI REGION AND DIRE DAWA ADMINISTRATION, EASTERN EHIOPIA, 2021

Abstract

Evidence based practice is conscientious, clear and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. Study conducted in various countries revealed that nurse‟s knowledge about evidence based practice is very important to provide quality service. In current study area there is paucity of information regarding to knowledge about evidence-based practice and associated factors among nurses. Objective: To assess nurses‟ knowledge about evidence-based practice and associated factors in public hospitals of Harari region and Dire Dawa administration. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 615 nurses working in public hospitals of Harari region and Dire Dawa Administration from June 1-30, 2021. The assessment tool was adapted from previous studies and was modified and the reliability was proven (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.886). Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered in EpiData 3.1 version software and transferred to Stata version 16 software for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to identify the association between independent and dependent variable. All variables with P<0.25 in crude logistic analysis were included in multivariate logistic analysis and in multivariate logistic analysis, statistical significance was declared at P<0.05 and strength of association was measured by adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI. Results: Out of 590 nurses participated in this study, 329 (55.8 %) (95%; CI: 51.9-60) nurses had good knowledge about evidence based practice. 1.60 (1.09, 2.33), having BSc and MSc degree 2.79 (1.78, 4.37) and 3.14 (1.24, 7.95) respectively, having work experience of over 6 years 2.76 (1.65, 4.91) and being head nurse 2.22(1.12, 4.91 were positively associated with knowledge about evidence based practice. Conclusion: Almost majority of nurses had good knowledge about evidence-based practice. Sex, educational status, year of work experience and position were significantly associated with knowledge about evidence based practice. Availing evidence-based practice guidelines in the work area, and building nurses‟ evidence-based practice competencies by giving training or incorporating as part of the curriculum would improve knowledge about evidence based practice among nurses