CRITICAL THINKING AS A PREDICTOR OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE ADOPTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS: AN ANALYTICAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Abstract
Background:
Critical thinking is a key nursing competency that supports logical analysis, sound judgment, and effective decision-making in complex clinical settings. Undergraduate nursing education, fostering critical thinking is vital for ensuring safe and high-quality patient care; however, traditional teaching strategies may limit the development of higher-order reasoning skills. Evidence-based practice (EBP), which integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Objective:
To assess the relationship between critical thinking and EBP adoption among nursing undergraduates.
Methodology:
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 undergraduate students of BCON, MCON, and CINAHS Larkana over four months. The sample size calculated by using the WHO formula with a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. Participants were selected through non-probability stratified sampling and included 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students; 1st year and Post-RN were excluded. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire containing the EBP Scale and Critical Thinking Questionnaires. Responses were rated on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed on SPSS 23.
Result: A total Of the 218 participants, 57.3% were male and 45% were 4th-year students. Most (70.6%) had prior EBP education. Overall EBP adoption was high (mean score 4.20 ± 0.29), with 95% demonstrating high levels across cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. The grand mean score (129.38 ± 9.50) reflected strong EBP competency.
Conclusion:
The participants demonstrated high EBP adoption. Critical thinking showed a significant association with EBP particularly its behavioral domain. Overall, the results reflect good EBP competency among the participants.
Keywords
- Critical thinking, predictors, evidence based practice, adaptation
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