Present conditions of evidence-based practices among nursing and midwifery professionals in Tanzania

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding evidence-based practice (EBP) in Tanzania. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey regarding EBP was conducted among nurses working in Muhimbili University Hospital, which is a teaching hospital, and three other non-teaching hospitals from October to December 2016. The questionnaire consisted of 10 measures regarding EBP in addition to demographic characteristics and EBP training experience. Results: A total of 143 nurses participated in the questionnaire survey regarding EBP, and 131 completed questionnaires without missing data were included in the analysis. Nurses working in Muhimbili University Hospital were more likely to receive EBP training than those working in the other institutions (chi-square test, P = 0.015). Recognition of the importance of receiving EBP (P = 0.019), frequency of using print information resources (P = 0.009), and frequency of using electronic resources (P = 0.001) were significantly higher among nurses with EBP training. Nurses with EBP training experience reported the use of greater numbers of research articles as well as printed and electronic resources for EBP. EBP training for nurses may improve the capacity for research using appropriate resources and access for EBP. Conclusion: EBP training programs should be targeted toward nurses with a diploma, those not working in Muhimbili University Hospital, and those without EBP training. The concerns of nurse managers and/ or supervisors should also be addressed to achieve EBP among staff nurses in clinical settings. Health Science Research 30 : 11-18, 2017 原著