Examining the Attitude of Nurses Towards Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) Seeking Health Care: A Study at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the barriers hindering the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing care at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, targeting a sample size of 50 nurses selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, which were presented in tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents (56.0%) were aged between 20 and 29 years, with females comprising the majority (66.0%). A significant number of participants held diplomas (60.0%) and had 1 to 5 years of working experience (48.0%). The study identified several key barriers to the implementation of EBP, including a lack of time, limited access to updated research materials, inadequate training, and a lack of institutional support. The study concluded that although nurses are aware of EBP, both structural and individual barriers significantly impede its practical application. It is recommended that hospital management improve access to continuing education, provide time allowances for research engagement, and integrate EBP protocols into daily clinical routines. Further studies should explore institutional readiness and resource availability for EBP implementation. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and confinement to a single facility, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.