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Background <p>Globally, approximately 15&#xa0;million infants are born each year prematurely, increasing their risk of developmental challenges. The Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) is a family-centered model designed to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Nurses play a crucial role in applying NIDCAP principles; however, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are often hindered by inadequate training, limited resources, and institutional barriers. In Saudi Arabia, evidence on NIDCAP implementation remains scarce, particularly in the Eastern Province.</p> Methods <p>This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among NICU nurses from two tertiary hospitals in the Eastern Province. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire administered to 125 nurses (response rate: 97.6%). The survey collected demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to NIDCAP. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlations were performed, with statistical significance set at <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05.</p> Results <p>Most respondents were female, aged 31–40 years, with bachelor’s degrees and extensive NICU experience. Nurses showed moderate knowledge (M = 7.82/11), with gaps in long-term developmental outcomes and paternal involvement. Attitudes were highly positive (M = 23.44/27), reflecting strong support for clustering care and breastfeeding, though concerns about staffing and resources persisted. Practices were frequently applied (M = 28.81/33), particularly cue-based care and environmental modifications. Knowledge and attitudes were significantly associated with marital status, while practice correlated with supportive institutional policies, including 24-hour parental visitation.</p> Conclusion <p>NICU nurses in Saudi Arabia exhibit positive attitudes and moderate knowledge and practice levels regarding NIDCAP. However, inconsistent application remains due to limited formal training, inadequate staffing, and insufficient institutional support. Strengthening structured education, enhancing organizational policies, and fostering leadership commitment are essential to bridge the gap between awareness and practice. Implementing these strategies can optimize developmental care delivery and improve health outcomes for preterm infants.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>

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Nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of newborn individualized developmental care at neonatal intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月26日

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  • Heba AlTalaq,
  • Khlood Bubshait,
  • Latifa AlDossary,
  • Ahlam Hussien

摘要

Background

Globally, approximately 15 million infants are born each year prematurely, increasing their risk of developmental challenges. The Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) is a family-centered model designed to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Nurses play a crucial role in applying NIDCAP principles; however, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are often hindered by inadequate training, limited resources, and institutional barriers. In Saudi Arabia, evidence on NIDCAP implementation remains scarce, particularly in the Eastern Province.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among NICU nurses from two tertiary hospitals in the Eastern Province. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire administered to 125 nurses (response rate: 97.6%). The survey collected demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to NIDCAP. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlations were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Most respondents were female, aged 31–40 years, with bachelor’s degrees and extensive NICU experience. Nurses showed moderate knowledge (M = 7.82/11), with gaps in long-term developmental outcomes and paternal involvement. Attitudes were highly positive (M = 23.44/27), reflecting strong support for clustering care and breastfeeding, though concerns about staffing and resources persisted. Practices were frequently applied (M = 28.81/33), particularly cue-based care and environmental modifications. Knowledge and attitudes were significantly associated with marital status, while practice correlated with supportive institutional policies, including 24-hour parental visitation.

Conclusion

NICU nurses in Saudi Arabia exhibit positive attitudes and moderate knowledge and practice levels regarding NIDCAP. However, inconsistent application remains due to limited formal training, inadequate staffing, and insufficient institutional support. Strengthening structured education, enhancing organizational policies, and fostering leadership commitment are essential to bridge the gap between awareness and practice. Implementing these strategies can optimize developmental care delivery and improve health outcomes for preterm infants.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.