Factors influencing evidence-based practice among undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe the current situation of evidence-based practice (EBP) among undergraduate nursing students in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sample of 470 third- and fourth-year undergraduate nursing students from five public universities across Thailand participated in this study from January 2021 to March 2021. All participants were invited to complete a general information questionnaire, and the Student Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (S-EBPQ). Results: The overall mean S-EBPQ score was 5.29 ± 0.71, and the four subscales, from highest to lowest, were attitudes (5.50 ± 0.93), sharing and applying EBP (5.37 ± 0.87), practice (5.18 ± 0.84), and retrieving and reviewing evidence (5.10 ± 0.81). The current situation of S-EBPQ was higher among nursing students who had higher previous EBP studies, familiarity with research methods, confidence in clinical decision-making, preparedness in practice, and access to journals (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study’s findings provide valuable insights for planning strategies that can be integrated into the existing nursing curricula to enhance nursing undergraduates’ EBP application in clinical settings.

Keywords

• Attitudes
• Evidence-based practice
• Knowledge
• Nursing students
• Thailand