THE ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS OF NURSES TOWARDS PROVIDING ARTIFICIAL NUTRITION AND HYDRATION FOR TERMINAL CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in terminal cancer is a complex clinical and ethical issue involving potential benefits, treatment burdens, patient autonomy, quality of life, and family preferences. Nurses play a central role in caring for terminal cancer patients and participating in ANH-related decisions. Adequate knowledge, appropriate attitudes, and informed behavioral intentions are essential for patient-centered end-of-life care. Aim: To assess nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward providing artificial nutrition and hydration to terminal cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 registered nurses selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding ANH. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of nurses demonstrated moderate knowledge (54.6%), while 28.0% had good and 17.4% had poor knowledge. Attitudes were neutral among 44.0%, positive among 35.3%, and negative among 20.6%. Behavioral intentions were moderate in 49.5%, high in 31.2%, and low in 19.3%. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude (r = .312, p < .001) and behavioral intention (r = .286, p < .001). Attitude showed a stronger positive correlation with behavioral intention (r = .527, p < .001). Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated moderate preparedness regarding ANH, highlighting the need for structured palliative-care education and evidence-based ANH decision-making support.