Perceived Nursing Practices, according to Nurse’s Roles, of Drug-Abused Primary Prevention in Community Settings: A Case Study from One Province of Mid-Southern Thailand

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study perceived nursing practices, according to nurse’s roles, of drug-abused primary prevention in community settings, including supporting factors and obstacles to such work.  Sample comprised 75 registered nurses, working in community hospitals or primary care units, in one Province of Mid-Southern Thailand. Data were collected through close-ended, self-reported questionnaire survey, covering demographic data, perceived nursing practices, according to nurse’s roles (9 dimensions), of drug-abused primary prevention in community settings. Additional open-ended questions regarding supporting factors and obstacles to such work were asked. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean scores, standard deviation, and Chi-square test.

Results showed that a mean score of overall level (9 dimensions) of perceived nursing practices, according to nurse’s roles, of drug-abused primary prevention in community settings was at a moderate level,  with a mean score of 2.84 ± 1.06 (s.d.), on a scale of 1-5. Mean scores of perceived nursing practices under a sub-advocacy role yielded the highest of 3.84 ± 1.05; while the sub-research role held the lowest mean score of 2.27 ± 0.97. Majority of participants (91%) mentioned positive attitudes towards drug-abused prevention as an important supporting factor; while 44% reported problems regarding poor organizational system and discontinued working were important obstacles. Conclusion: These findings suggested that a clear-ordered operational system, promoting teamwork, as well as encouraging practical nurses to engage in services planning for drug-abused primary prevention may enhance a better care of at-risk groups in community settings effectively.