Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate nurses' knowledge/practices in early worsening HF management at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar.
Study Design: An descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar from August to November 2025.
Material and Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study (Aug-Nov 2025; n=142 nurses from ICU/CCU/Emergency/Cardiology) used convenience sampling (Raosoft calculator). Adapted validated questionnaire (Jideofor & Galanza 2023; α=0.73 knowledge, 0.81 practice): 22 true/false knowledge items (0-22 score; Good ≥17, Moderate 12-16, Poor ≤11); 11 Likert practice items (0-11; Adequate ≥9, Inadequate ≤8). SPSS v27 descriptives (means/SD/frequencies).
Results: Young (81% 20-35yrs), female (88%), Post-RN (66.2%) nurses had moderate knowledge (M=14.70±2.47; 62%), good (35.9%), poor (2.1%). Adequate practice 54.9% (M=8.47); inadequate 45.1%. Training (54.9%) linked to better scores.
Conclusion: Moderate knowledge/borderline practice signals training gaps despite guideline familiarity. Targeted CPD, protocols essential to bridge knowledge-practice gap, enhancing HF outcomes in resource-limited settings
Keywords: Heart failure, worsening HF, nurses' knowledge, practice, Peshawar, tertiary care
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