KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS REGARDING INTRAVENOUS FLUID ELECTROLYTE MANAGEMENTS AMONG JIMMA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER NURSES, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2018.

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that most of hospitalized patients as many as 75% need intravenous fluid electrolyte therapy. However, a significant number of hospitalized patients are dying as a result of the infusion of too much or too little fluid. Despite the significance of the problem and the need for knowledgeable and competent primary healthcare professionals or nurses, there was no published study conducted on this topic in Ethiopia. Objective: This study was conducted to assess nurses’ knowledge, practices and associated factors regarding intravenous fluid electrolyte managements among Jimma University Medical Center nurses, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: Institution based Cross-Sectional study was conducted from March 1 to April 1. 422 participants were randomly selected and data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary and multiple logistic regression models were used. Results: A total of 401 nurses participated in this study with 95% response rate. The result showed that 59.6% (95%CI: 54.9-64.3) and 55.9% (95%CI: 50.9-60.6) of participants had adequate knowledge and good practice respectively. It also revealed being BSc nurse (AOR=2.03(1.31-3.15)), 6-10 years and above 10 years work experience [(AOR=7.02(2.2821.59)

and (AOR=28.89(7.28-114.62)), in-service training (AOR=1.42(1.02-2.92)) and working unit/ward were factors significantly associated to adequate knowledge. While presence of guide line in the unit [(AOR=2.68(1.57-4.59)], presence of fluid balance chart in the unit ((AOR=2.53(1.56-4.10)) and 6-10 and above 10 years work experience and nurses’ knowledge [(AOR=2.05(1.29-3.27)] were associated with good practice. Conclusion and recommendation: More than half of respondents had adequate knowledge and good practice. However, there is still knowledge and practice gap regarding intravenous fluid electrolyte managements. Therefore, efforts better focus on in service training and educational course for nurses. Key words: Nurses, knowledge, practice, Intravenous fluid and electrolyte