Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior toward Medication Error in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Medication errors are a significant cause of adverse events, with knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) being key factors. Nurses play a crucial role in the medication administration process and should be proactive in preventing medication errors. This article is based on the author's dissertation research on the influence of nurses' knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward medication errors on medication errors reported. In this article, the author focuses on the comparison of the mean ranks of KAB scores towards medication errors in relation to nurses' socio-demographic and professional characteristics. The researchers utilized a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional survey to examine the relationship between variables. Knowledge scores towards medication errors in relation to nurses' socio-demographic and professional characteristics show that there is no significant difference found in the mean ranks of knowledge scores across any of these characteristics. However, both attitude and behavior scores towards medication errors were significantly higher among female nurses, non-Saudi nurses, nurses with education in intravenous drug administration, and nurses of more than 40 years of age in attitude score. Knowledge influences attitude, as nurses who have a deep understanding of the subject matter are more likely to have positive attitudes towards their patients, their colleagues, and their work. Attitude, on the other hand, influences behavior. It is understood that nurses who have positive attitudes are more likely to behave in a professional and ethical manner.