Barriers Affecting Nurses Engagement in Continuing Education Programs in Duhok Governorate: A Cross-Sectional study

Abstract

Background: Continuing education is a significant for sustaining nurses’ professional competence, improving the safety and quality of patient care, and updating clinical knowledge and skills. However, nurses may face organizational and personal barriers that limit their participation in continuing education program.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the barriers affecting nurses’ engagement in continuing education programs and to explore their attitudes toward continuing education in Duhok Governorate.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 182 nurses at Azadi teaching and Hevi pediatric teaching hospitals in Governorate of Duhok form October 2025 to May 2026. participants were chosen using a convenience sampling technique. Data collection was conducted by using self-administered questionnaire consisting of three parts: socio-demographic characteristics, personal and organizational barriers, and attitude toward continuing education. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. A p value of <0.05 was measured statistically significant.

Results: The majority of nurses were between 30 and 40 years, female, married, and held diploma degree. Most of them working in the rotating shifts (59.4%) and 64 % had participation in continuing education previously. Difficulty in managing time (66.0%) and organizational barriers mainly shifting schedules and heavy workload (72.0%) were the obstacles. Despite these barriers, nurses held a positive attitude toward continuing education particularly it is importance in updating knowledge and skills (91.8%) and improving care of patients (91.2%).

Conclusion: The study concluded that nurses held a positive attitude toward continuing education but participation was limited by several factors such as heavy workload, time limitation, rotating of shifts and limited opportunities. Enhancing support from organization, accessible continuing education program easily and ensuring designated time for education may improve participation.