Fall Prevention Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Nurses in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To comprehensively assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fall prevention among nurses in multiple healthcare settings, emphasizing the crucial role of preventing falls in ensuring patient safety and well-being. Methods: A correlational cross-sectional design, involving the recruitment of participants through convenience sampling from sixteen government hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Data on nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding falls were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The findings are reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The analysis included 295 participants. The knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 14, with a mean of 8.54, the attitude scores ranged from 19 to 54, with a mean of 39.50, and the practice score ranged from 25 to 65, with a mean of 57.02. Significant differences existed in knowledge scores among hospitals (p < .001), while attitude and practice scores were statistically significant for multiple factors, including gender, place of work, experience of falling accidents, and the fall prevention training (frequency, duration, source) (all p < .001). Conclusion: This study reveals that nurses generally possess moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards fall prevention, with high reported adherence to preventive measures. However, variations among hospitals and the influence of factors like gender, workplace, experience with falls, and training characteristics emphasize the importance of tailored training programs to enhance patient safety.