Nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice of low-flow oxygen therapy and humidification.

Objective: Nurses are key in administering oxygen therapy and managing its potential adverse effects in medical settings. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding low-flow oxygen therapy and humidification among nurses.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024 at Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital. Demographic data and KAP scores were collected through questionnaires.

Result: A total of 243 valid questionnaires were collected. Among them, 228 (93.8%) were female, and 93 (38.3%) had been working for more than 10 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 11.11 ± 4.30 (Ranging 0-18), 29.14 ± 3.41 (Ranging 7-35), and 28.07 ± 4.73 (Ranging 7-35), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that knowledge (OR = 1.302, 95% CI: [1.167-1.453],  < 0.001) and attitudes (OR = 1.196, 95% CI: [1.080-1.325],  < 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practices. Structural equation modeling (SEM) corroborated the direct influences of training ( = 3.210,  < 0.001) and clinical experience ( = 2.044,  = 0.002) on knowledge, with knowledge ( = 0.379,  < 0.001) and gender ( = -1.642,  = 0.037) directly impacting attitudes. Additionally, knowledge (β = 0.395,  < 0.001), attitudes ( = 0.340,  < 0.001), and equipment utilization ( = 1.098,  < 0.001) directly influenced practices.

Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated inadequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and inactive practices toward low-flow oxygen therapy and humidification. Enhanced training and increased clinical experience are recommended to improve nurses' knowledge and practice in this area.