# Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Italian Home Care Nurses: Factors Associated with Medication Error Prevention in a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

## TL;DR

This study explores how knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Italian home care nurses relate to preventing medication errors, and identifies factors like internet access and education that influence these aspects.

## Contribution

The study identifies internet access and education level as significant factors influencing medication error prevention behaviors and knowledge among home care nurses.

## Key findings

- Younger age and non-university degrees are linked to higher knowledge levels in medication error prevention.
- Internet access at work is associated with better attitudes and behaviors regarding medication error prevention.
- Positive attitudes and higher knowledge significantly influence correct behaviors in preventing medication errors.

## Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify factors associated with medication errors among home care nurses in Italy, focusing on the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and assessing how sociodemographic and professional characteristics influence these dimensions. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Italian validated version of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Medication Error in the Home Care setting questionnaire, previously developed and validated for home care settings. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations among knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and selected sociodemographic variables because the survey was disseminated through open online channels, and the response rate could not be calculated. Results: A total of 320 nurses participated. Younger age and holding a non-university degree were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels. Internet access at the workplace emerged as the only significant factor associated with medication error prevention for both positive attitudes [OR = 0.412, 95% CI: 0.197–0.861; p = 0.018] and correct behaviors [OR = 0.456, 95% CI: 0.216–0.962; p = 0.039]. Furthermore, attitudes positively predicted knowledge [OR = 2.226, 95% CI: 1.291–3.962, p = 0.004], and both knowledge and attitudes significantly influenced behaviors. Conclusions: The study highlights the interdependence of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in preventing medication errors in home care. While internet access and formal education are associated with differences in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, the relationships observed warrant further investigation. These findings underscore the potential value of targeted educational strategies and resource availability to support nurses in promoting safe practices.