Nurses' self-efficacy levels and influencing factors in the care of children with epilepsy

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated nurses' self-efficacy in caring for children with epilepsy and the factors influencing it. Method: This descriptive-cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 135 nurses working in pediatric clinics at a university's medical faculty hospital. Data were collected between using a socio-demographic data collection form, the scale of self-efficacy in nursing care of children with epilepsy, the self-efficacysufficiency scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Three models were created to analyze the relationships between the study variables and nurses' selfefficacy. The effect on nurses' self-efficacy levels in the care of children with epilepsy was explained by their descriptive characteristics at a rate of 27.8% in the first model, by the Self-Efficacy-Sufficiency Scale at a rate of 18.5% in the second model, and by their descriptive characteristics and self-efficacy at a rate of 35.5% in the third model. Age, number of children, having receivede ducation on children with epilepsy at school, and the total self-efficacy scale score were found to be relevant factors in predicting the self-efficacy of nurses in the care of children with epilepsy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that nurses' self-efficacy in caring for children with epilepsy was above average and that factors affected this level of self-efficacy. Implications for practice: Nurses' high self-efficacy in caring for children with epilepsy increases the quality of care they provide. It is recommended that detailed evidence-based and case-based courses on childhood epilepsy management be offered both in in-service training and nursing curricula.