Evaluation of Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards Older Adults and Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Due to the increased risk of developing chronic diseases among older adults, their demand for health care has increased. Preparing nurses to care for the older adults is one of the most difficult challenges in nursing education. Objective: This study investigated nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards older adults and demographic and occupational features that affect them. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 412 participants from July to October 2020. Patients were selected using a random sampling method. Three questionnaires were used: a socio-demographic form, an Older Patient in Acute Care Survey, and a Knowledge about Older Patients-Quiz. Results: According to the Pearson correlation test, there is a statistically significant and positive correlation between knowledge and general opinion (P = 0.000), (r = 0.271) as well as between practice experiences and general opinion (P = 0.000), (r = 0.205) of nurses about older adult’s care. There was no statistically significant relationship between knowledge and practice experiences (P = 0.857), (r = -. 009). Conclusion: Having a better understanding of the needs of the older adults would improve the quality of care that nurses provide to them.