Correlates of nurse-reported health education competence through knowledge sharing in chinese hospitals

In China, nurses assume a crucial role in educating patients and their families within medical institutions. Effective health education can significantly improve patient recovery and overall quality of life. This research examines how knowledge sharing behavior and perceived organizational support can enhance nurses' health education competence.

The study utilized a cross-sectional survey involving 1,523 nurses working in tertiary general hospitals in Inner Mongolia, China. The questionnaire measured the Nurse Health Education Competence Instrument, knowledge sharing behavior, and perceived organizational support. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and bootstrapping.

The results showed a significant positive relationship between nurses' health education competence, knowledge sharing behavior, and perceived organizational support. Perceived organizational support directly impacts health education competence (β=0.333, p<0.001) and indirectly influences knowledge sharing behavior (β=0.302, p<0.001).

Knowledge sharing behavior significantly and positively affects health education competence (β=0.271, p<0.001). Knowledge sharing behavior serves as a partial mediator between nurses' health education competence and perceived organizational support, explaining 8.3% of the variance. Improving organizational support and creating a knowledge-sharing-friendly environment can greatly enhance nurses' health education practices, ultimately benefiting patients.

The authors thank all participants for their contribution. Xue Bai, Haiyan Ren, and Huanfang Wang are co-first authors. The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Inner Mongolia Medical University.