Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Undergraduate Nursing Students Toward Evidence-Based Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing is the collective utilization of best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preference. Limited studies were found regarding the EBP of nursing students. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding EBP among undergraduate nursing students in District Mardan and to explore the relationship between demographic variables and students' attitudes and practices toward EBP. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 111 4th-year undergraduate nursing students selected through a one-stage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic details and the Students' Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (S-EBPQ), which was scored on a seven-point Likert scale. The internal consistency of the S-EBPQ was validated using Cronbach’s Alpha (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA applied to examine the relationship between demographic variables and EBP attitudes and practices. Results: The analysis revealed that 70.2% of students exhibited a moderate level of EBP, with 48.4% demonstrating a highly positive attitude towards EBP. While no significant association was found between demographic variables and practice scores, the religious group variable was significantly associated with attitude scores (p = 0.006). Gender, though not significant, approached the significance threshold (p = 0.078). Conclusions: This study contributes to the limited body of research on EBP among nursing students in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It highlights the importance of demographic factors, especially religious background, in shaping students' attitudes toward EBP, suggesting the need for tailored educational interventions