Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors Towards Heart Failure Management Among Nurses Working in the Cardiac Unit of Selected Government Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic affecting individuals globally and is rising in magnitude. Despite the advancement of treatment for HF, the problem continues to cause substantial hospitalization, economic costs, disability, morbidity, and mortality. However, knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards HF management in Ethiopia were unknown.

Objective:

To assess knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards HF management of nurses working in the cardiac unit.

Methods:

An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 180 nurses working in a cardiac unit at selected government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data were collected from March to April 2020 by self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 24.0 software.

Results:

A total of 180 nurses were enrolled into the study with a response rate of 95%. The mean age of the participants was 31 years. The majority (105; 58.3%) were females. About 108 (60%) of them were married and 34 (18.9%) of them were qualified with a MSc in nursing. More than two-thirds (134; 74.4%) of them had ≤ 6 years of work experience. The majority (131; 72.8%) of them have not taken training on the management of HF. The level of a good knowledge and positive attitude towards the management of HF were 30.56% (n = 55; 95% CI: 24.20–37.50) and 94.4% (n = 170; 95% CI: 90.6–97.8), respectively. Having a monthly income of >6700 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 2.87–9.58), master’s degree in nursing (AOR = 4.35, 95% CI: 3.42–14.36), having >6 years of working experience (AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 4.41–15.72), and having training about HF management (AOR = 6.18, 95% CI: 4.76, 15.95) were factors significantly associated with knowledge towards HF management.

Conclusion:

The level of good knowledge towards HF management was very low, while the level of positive attitude towards HF management was satisfactory. Educational programs and comprehensive training are recommended to take place to improve them.

Keywords:

• knowledge
• attitude
• heart failure management
• heart failure
• nurse

Abbreviations

HF, Heart failure; SPSS, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; NCDs, Non-communicable diseases; CVD, Cardiovascular disease; SSA, Sub-Saharan Africa; BSc, Bachelor of Science degree; MSc, Master of Science degree; COR, crude odds ratio; AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval.

Data Sharing Statement

The data used to support the findings of this study are on the hands of the corresponding author.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Addis Ababa University (Ethics approval reference number; CHS/NSG/201/12). Then the letter was sent to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College and Saint Peters specialized hospital. Then, permission was obtained from those concerned bodies. The nurses were informed about the objectives and significance of the study and about the confidentiality issues prior to data collection. There were no potential risks that may cause any harm to the nurses. For the reason of privacy and confidentiality, personal identifiers were not used. The nurses were also informed that they have the right to withdraw from the study at any phase. Finally, a written informed consent was obtained from all nurses for the study.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the participating supervisors, data collectors, study participants, and Addis Ababa University. Furthermore, this paper was uploaded to the Addis Ababa University repository as a thesis in June 2020. See reference⁵⁸: http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/23316.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Funding

The study was funded by Addis Ababa university.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.