Knowledge of and attitudes towards evidence-based practices in community child mental health practitioners.

Research in the dissemination of evidence-based practices (EBPs) suggests that practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards EBPs influence their decisions to adopt such practices. This study investigated the relationships between practitioner background variables and EBP knowledge and attitudes, as well as the relationship between knowledge and attitudes among public sector youth direct service providers (n = 240). Findings suggest that knowledge and attitudes relate to practitioners' most advanced degree, practice setting, and licensure status. Additionally, lack of knowledge in the form of EBP under-identification was related to negative attitudes. Findings are discussed as they relate to the dissemination of EBPs.