Assessment of self-reported practice of nurses towards fall prevention and its associated factors in an Ethiopian hospital; cross-sectional study

Abstract

Back groundFalls are a frequent, serious, and increasing public health issues that can significantly change the patients' level of functioning and quality of life. Nurses are at the front position in the efforts to prevent hospital falls. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to assess the level of nurses’ practice on prevention of falls and its associated factors. MethodAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 371 nurses. Data were collected using pretested and self administered English version questionnaire. EPI info version 3.5.3 was used for data entry and SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed. ResultOverall, 44% of the participants have good practice regarding falls prevention. Educational qualification [bachelor (AOR = 1.9, CI: 1.11, 3.46), master (AOR = 3.2, CI: 1.83, 5.68)], work experience (AOR = 1.92, CI: 1.25, 3.41), number of falls experienced [2 falls (AOR = 2.82, CI: 1.44, 4.52), ≥3 falls (AOR = 3.52, CI: 3.11, 5.76)] and fall prevention education (AOR = 3, CI: 1.43, 5.21) were significantly associated with practice of fall prevention. ConclusionPractice of the nurses regarding prevention of falls was found to be inadequate. Having higher educational status, being more experienced, having previous experience of patient fall and education about falls prevention were positively associated with fall prevention practice of nurses. Developing educational programs that include fall prevention through the academic curriculum and continuing educational programs are some of the steps to improve nurse's practice regarding prevention of falls.