Abstract:
Background. Physical restraint is a common practice in the intensive care units which often result in frequent skin laceration at
restraint site, limb edema, restricted circulation, and worsening of agitation that may even end in death. Despite the sensitivity of
the problem, however, it is felt that there are nurses’ evidence-based practice gaps in Ethiopia. To emphasize the importance of this
subject, relevant evidence is required to develop protocols and to raise evidence-based practices of health professionals. So, this
study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and influencing factors of nurses regarding physical restraint use in the intensive
care units in northwest Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was maintained from March to September
2019 at Amhara regional state referral hospitals, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 260 nurses in the intensive care units were invited
to take part in the study by a convenience sampling technique. *e Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Staff regarding
Physical Restraints Questionnaire was used to assess the nurses’ knowledge and attitude. Linear regression analysis was employed
to examine the influencing factors of knowledge and attitude. Adjusted unstandardized beta (β) coefficient with a 95% confidence
interval was used to report the result of association with a p value<0.05 statistical significance level. Result. *e mean scores of
nurses’ knowledge and attitude regarding physical restraint use among critically ill patients were 7.81±1.89 and 33.75±6.50,
respectively. *ese mean scores are above the scale midpoint nearer to the higher ranges which imply a moderate level of
knowledge and a good attitude regarding physical restraint. Lower academic qualification and short (<2 years) work experience
were associated with lower-level of knowledge, and reading about restraint from any source and taken training regarding restraints were factors associated with a higher knowledge. Diploma and bachelor’s in academic qualification were significantly
associated with a negative attitude regarding restraint. Besides, there was a more positive attitude among nurses with a higher level
of knowledge and who received training regarding physical restraint use. Conclusion. *e nurses working in the intensive care unit
had a moderate level of knowledge and a good attitude regarding physical restraint use. So, developing and providing educational
and in-service training to the nurses regarding physical restraint are necessary to strengthen the quality of care for critically
ill patients
