Knowledge, attitude, practice and training of inhalation therapy among respiratory nurses: a cross-sectional study on the current status and influencing factors

Effective inhalation therapy is critical for managing chronic airway diseases, yet improper technique remains prevalent and contributes to poor clinical outcomes. In China, nurses play a central role in patient education. However, the relationship between nurses’ own training and their competency in delivering inhalation therapy education remains underexplored. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from September to October 2025 among 387 respiratory nurses from 32 hospitals across 25 provinces. A validated 61-item questionnaire assessed their knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and training status regarding inhalation therapy. Mean scores were 33.78 ± 2.76 for knowledge, 35.01 ± 7.98 for attitude, and 61.37 ± 10.2 for practice. Only 50.13% achieved a “good” level of theoretical knowledge. Practice correlated more with attitudes (Rho = 0.57, P < 0.001) than knowledge. Years of experience in specialty nursing, practical workshops and specialist nurse training were markedly associated with the knowledge and practice of inhalation therapy, respectively (P < 0.05), while educational video utilization was significantly correlated with better performance in both areas (all P < 0.05). In summary, respiratory nurses demonstrate positive attitudes and practices but have insufficient theoretical knowledge towards inhalation therapy. Integrated learning strategies combining theoretical instruction with visual tools like educational videos are recommended.