Nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice of low-flow oxygen therapy and humidification

Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Nov 18:11:1460079. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1460079. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objective: Nurses are key in administering oxygen therapy and managing its potential adverse effects in medical settings. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding low-flow oxygen therapy and humidification among nurses.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024 at Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital. Demographic data and KAP scores were collected through questionnaires.

Result: A total of 243 valid questionnaires were collected. Among them, 228 (93.8%) were female, and 93 (38.3%) had been working for more than 10 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 11.11 ± 4.30 (Ranging 0-18), 29.14 ± 3.41 (Ranging 7-35), and 28.07 ± 4.73 (Ranging 7-35), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that knowledge (OR = 1.302, 95% CI: [1.167-1.453], p < 0.001) and attitudes (OR = 1.196, 95% CI: [1.080-1.325], p < 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practices. Structural equation modeling (SEM) corroborated the direct influences of training (β = 3.210, p < 0.001) and clinical experience (β = 2.044, p = 0.002) on knowledge, with knowledge (β = 0.379, p < 0.001) and gender (β = -1.642, p = 0.037) directly impacting attitudes. Additionally, knowledge (β = 0.395, p < 0.001), attitudes (β = 0.340, p < 0.001), and equipment utilization (β = 1.098, p < 0.001) directly influenced practices.

Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated inadequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and inactive practices toward low-flow oxygen therapy and humidification. Enhanced training and increased clinical experience are recommended to improve nurses' knowledge and practice in this area.

Keywords: attitude; humidification; knowledge; low-flow oxygen therapy; nurses; practice.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Funded project for the construction of peak disciplines in the Xuhui District health system [SHXHZDXK202312].