Palliative Care Practice and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Jimma University Medical Center South-West Ethiopia, 2017

Background: Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problem associated chronic and with life threatening illness. Since Nurses are pivotal role players in providing palliative care, identifying their level of knowledge, attitude and practice is very crucial. Conversely, there is paucity of information on palliative care practice and associated factors in the study area. Objective: This study aimed to assess palliative care practice and associated factors among nurses working in Jimma University Medical Center south-west Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 243 nurses. The study participants were selected using simple random sampling method and data was collected using structured self-administrated questionnaires. Descriptive, Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical level of significance was declared at P< 0.05. Results: A total of 237 nurses were responded correctly and yielding a response rate of 97.5%. Around two third [65.8%] of the study participants had poor palliative care practices. Age, clinical area, years of experience, monthly income and level of knowledge about palliative care services significantly associated with overall palliative care practices. Conclusion: Almost two third of the nurses had poor palliative care practices. Age, clinical area, years of experience, monthly income and level of knowledge about palliative care services are significantly associated with overall palliative care practice. Thus, efforts should be made in designing and providing short and long term training for nurses on palliative care practices. Keywords: Palliative care; Nurses; End-of life care; Chronic illness; Jimma