Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Evidence-Based Practice Among Emergency Department Nurses in Hospitals in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a cornerstone of modern nursing, enhancing patient safety and quality of care. However, its adoption remains inconsistent, particularly in conflict-affected and resource-limited contexts such as Palestine. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of EBP among emergency department (ED) nurses in hospitals across Palestine, and to examine how sociodemographic characteristics are associated with these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted in September 2025 across emergency departments in Palestine. Data were collected using the culturally adapted Arabic version of the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ). A total of 250 nurses were approached to participate, and 152 completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 60.8%. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Spearman’s rho tests using SPSS version 25. Results: Findings revealed moderate levels of knowledge (M = 4.96, SD = 0.96) and practice (M = 4.97, SD = 1.02), along with generally positive attitudes (M = 5.00, SD = 1.09) toward EBP. Knowledge, VI attitudes, and practice were positively associated (ρ = 0.78–0.83, p < 0.001). Education, role, and years of experience were also associated with higher EBP engagement. Conclusion: This study found moderate to positive levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward EBP among nurses, with these variables positively associated. Higher knowledge corresponded with more positive attitudes and greater reported EBP engagement. Education, role, and experience were also associated with differences in KAP. Given the cross-sectional design and self-report nature of the data, these findings reflect associations rather than causal relationships.