WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Anju Kumari* and Mahesh Vijaye

ABSTRACT

Background: Pediatric drug administration requires precise knowledge and careful practice due to the unique physiological characteristics of children. Nurses play a critical role in ensuring medication safety; however, errors in pediatric medication remain prevalent, often linked to gaps in knowledge and practice. Aim: To assess the knowledge and practice of staff nurses regarding pediatric drug administration and identify associations with selected demographic variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 staff nurses using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation. Results: The majority of staff nurses (49%) had inadequate knowledge, and 54% exhibited unsatisfactory practice related to pediatric drug administration. The mean knowledge score was 14.67 (SD = 6.08), and the mean practice score was 18.85 (SD = 6.90). Significant associations were observed between knowledge/practice scores and variables such as age, educational qualification, total nursing experience, and pediatric ward experience (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation (r = 0.806, p < 0.05) was found between knowledge and practice. Conclusion: This study highlights critical deficiencies in nurses’ knowledge and practice concerning pediatric drug administration. These findings underscore the need for targeted education, clinical training, and supportive policies to enhance medication safety in pediatric settings.