Аңдатпа
Bronchial asthma remains a major chronic respiratory disease requiring continuous patient education, correct inhaler use, adherence to clinical protocols and coordinated multidisciplinary care. Nurses are directly involved in patient education and hospital-based asthma care; however, local evidence on their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in Kazakhstan remains limited. Aim: To assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practical skills regarding asthma care in a hospital setting in Almaty and to analyze associations between KAP indicators and socio-demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in January-February 2025 among 50 registered nurses selected from 101 eligible nurses of medical wards using systematic random sampling. The sample size was calculated using the finite population formula with a 10% margin of error. Data were collected anonymously through a self-administered online KAP questionnaire adapted from published asthma-care instruments and current asthma-management guidance. The instrument included socio-demographic questions, 15 knowledge items, 12 attitude items and 7 practice items. Content validity was reviewed by experts, a pilot test was performed, and internal consistency was acceptable for all domains. Descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals, chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 35 nurses (70%; 95% CI: 56.3-81.2) demonstrated good knowledge, 38 nurses (76%; 95% CI: 62.6-86.0) showed a positive attitude, and 40 nurses (80%; 95% CI: 66.9-89.2) demonstrated competent practice. Mean scores were 11.2 ± 2.3 for knowledge, 28.5 ± 4.1 for attitude and 5.6 ± 1.2 for practice. Age and clinical experience were significantly associated with all KAP domains, while educational qualification was significantly associated with knowledge and attitude and showed borderline significance for practice. Discussion: The results indicate a generally favorable level of asthma-related nursing competencies, but also reveal persistent gaps in pathophysiological understanding, inhaler technique and protocol adherence. Because the study did not assess patient outcomes, the findings should be interpreted as evidence of educational needs rather than proof of direct effects on asthma control. Conclusion: The study supports the need for structured continuing professional development, practical simulation-based training and periodic reassessment of asthma-care competencies among hospital nurses.