Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses' perceptions and intention to use physical restraints for geriatric hospital dementia patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used with 112 nurses recruited from 6 geriatric hospitals. Data on nurses' general characteristics as well as perceptions and intention to use physical restraints for dementia patients were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and standard multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: There were significant differences in perceptions of physical restraints for dementia patients according to type of restraint (wrist, lapboard with wheelchair, or alternative methods). Significant differences in intention were found for age, position, mobility decline, alternative methods, physical restraints guideline, and complaints from family. Factors affecting nurses' intention to use physical restraints included perceptions on physical restraint use, mobility decline, being a head nurse, and no alternative method available. These factors explained 51% of total variances in the regression model. Conclusion: Findings show that nurses' perception of physical restraints for geriatric hospital dementia patients is significantly correlated with intention to use physical restraints. Therefore, provision of periodic training and education on alternatives are necessary to reduce indiscriminate use of physical restraints.