„Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Associated Factors Towards Patient Safety among Undergraduate Health Science Students at Ambo University, Ethiopia, 2025‟

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a structured approach that promotes a culture, systems, and behaviors aimed at minimizing risks and preventing avoidable harm in healthcare. Despite being a global health priority, knowledge gaps and unsafe practices persist, especially in low-and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, patient safety has not received sufficient attention within the healthcare education and service systems. The knowledge, attitude, and practice of future healthcare professionals are essential in ensuring safe and quality patient care. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors of patient safety among undergraduate health science students at Ambo University, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1–30, 2025, among 431 students selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Epi-Data 4.6 and SPSS version 27 were used for data entry and analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed, and variables with p < 0.05 in the multi-variable analysis were considered statistically significant. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure associations. Results: A total of 424 students participated (response rate: 97%). In this study, 75.2% of students had good knowledge, 54% had favorable attitude, and 53.5% demonstrated adequate practice toward patient safety. Nursing (AOR = 5.24; 95% CI: 2.48–11.08), health officer (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.19–6.95), midwifery (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.13–6.01), and laboratory students (AOR = 5.19; 95% CI: 1.82–14.81) had more favorable attitudes compared to medical students. Formal training (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.58–4.58) and witnessing patient harm was associated with higher odds of having a favorable attitude (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.36–4.08), while longer clinical attachment was associated with lower odds of a favorable attitude (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26–0.73). Adequate practice was less likely among males (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33–0.76), older students (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.30–0.67), and those who witnessed harm (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38–0.95). Inadequate practice was associated with lower odds of good knowledge (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.37–0.99), and unfavorable attitude was similarly associated with lower odds of good knowledge (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36–0.98). Conclusion: The Knowledge, attitude, and practice among undergraduate students on Patient safety was relatively low. These were significantly influenced by field of study, training, clinical exposure, being male, and age. Strengthening structured patient safety education and improving supportive clinical environments are crucial to enhance student competencies and safety culture