Examining the Association Between Nursing Technicians' Knowledge of Preventive Health Measures and Their Health Promotion Practices in KSA: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Nursing technicians play a vital role in promoting preventive health measures and healthy behaviors among patients. However, limited research has examined the association between nursing technicians' knowledge of preventive health and their own health promotion practices, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nursing technicians' knowledge of preventive health measures and their personal health promotion practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 nursing technicians working in various healthcare settings across KSA. The survey assessed participants' knowledge of preventive health measures using a validated questionnaire and their engagement in health promotion practices using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.
Results: The mean knowledge score for preventive health measures was 78.6% (SD=12.4%), indicating a moderate level of knowledge among nursing technicians. The mean HPLP-II score was 2.58 (SD=0.47), suggesting a moderate level of engagement in health promotion practices. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge of preventive health measures and overall HPLP-II scores (r=0.38, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that knowledge of preventive health measures (β=0.32, p<0.001), age (β=0.15, p=0.002), and years of experience (β=0.12, p=0.014) were significant predictors of health promotion practices.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of enhancing nursing technicians' knowledge of preventive health measures to improve their personal health promotion practices. Targeted educational interventions and training programs should be implemented to strengthen nursing technicians' knowledge and encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Future research should explore the barriers and facilitators to health promotion practices among nursing technicians in KSA.