Investigating knowledge, attitude, and practices toward nephrology nurse care among student nurses in the higher institute of nurse professions and health technicals of Fez in Morocco on 2023: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND

Kidney diseases are a global public health concern. In Morocco as elsewhere, nurses constitute the most important workforce in nephrology care. This study aims to assess the level of student nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) at the end of their undergraduate education toward the care of patients with kidney disease.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A descriptive and correlational study was conducted between May 10 and June 20, 2023, at the Higher Institute of Nurse Professions and Health Technical in Fez, Morocco. Out of a total of 210 general nurse students, 115 responded to all items of the questionnaire based on the five-point Likert scale. The data analysis was performed using R software.

RESULTS

Nearly 50% of participants had adequate KAP related to kidney anatomy and physiology, and treatment of acute and chronic kidney disease. However, more than 70% of participants had KAP below expectations related to nursing care of the patient on peritoneal dialysis, nursing care for hemodialysis patients, nursing management of the candidate patients for transplantation, conservative and palliative care, and pharmacology. Similarly, there was significant relationship between theoretical initial education, practical initial education and clinical training, and scores obtained by participants (P < 0.05, Cramer's V > 50%).

CONCLUSION

As a result, providing continuing education for the newly graduated general nurses before being involved in nephrology nurse care is a suitable recommendation. In addition, an initial education program development in nephrology nurse care is relevant.