ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE AMONG NURSES REGARDING NURSING PROCESS IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS AT DISTRICT CHRASSADA, KHYBER-PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: The nursing process is a fundamental framework that underpins professional nursing practice by promoting systematic care delivery, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. Its effective application is closely linked with improved patient outcomes, continuity of care, and professional accountability. However, in resource-limited public sector hospitals, nurses often face organizational and workload-related challenges that may influence both their knowledge and attitudes toward the nursing process. Understanding these factors is essential for strengthening nursing practice and ensuring high-quality patient-centered care in complex healthcare environments.

Objective: The study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the nursing process in public sector hospitals of District Charsadda.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over three months among 102 registered nurses working in public sector hospitals of District Charsadda. Participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated, and adapted questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, 21 knowledge-related items, and 10 attitude-related items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Knowledge scores ranged from 21 to 105 and were categorized as poor, average, or good, while attitude scores ranged from 10 to 50 and were classified as unfavorable or favorable. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 through descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations.

Results: Among the participants, 96.1% were female and 3.9% were male. More than half were aged 31–40 years (55.9%), and 75.5% had over 10 years of professional experience. Knowledge scores ranged from 45 to 94, with a mean score of 73.68 ± 1.09. An average level of knowledge was observed in 55.9% of nurses, while 37.3% demonstrated good knowledge and 6.8% showed poor knowledge. Attitude scores ranged from 22 to 44, with a mean of 30.02 ± 4.00. An unfavorable attitude toward the nursing process was identified in 55.8% of participants, whereas 44.2% exhibited a favorable attitude.

Conclusion: The study highlights that while nurses generally possess moderate knowledge of the nursing process, unfavorable attitudes toward its application remain prevalent. These findings emphasize the need for continuous professional development, institutional support, and supportive supervision to strengthen both knowledge and attitudes, ultimately enhancing the effective utilization of the nursing process in clinical practice.