KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CARE OF THE ELDERLY PATIENTS AMONG NURSES IN FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE IN UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

1.1 Background of the Study

The global population is rapidly aging due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates, a trend that presents both opportunities and challenges in healthcare delivery (Nguyen et al., 2020). In Nigeria, where the healthcare system faces substantial resource constraints, the care of elderly patients is an area of growing concern. The elderly population in Nigeria, like in many developing nations, is rising significantly. According to the National Population Commission (NPC), Nigeria's elderly population is projected to increase from 9.1 million in 2020 to over 28 million by 2050, creating an urgent need for improved healthcare services tailored to the needs of this demographic (Ugwu & Ene, 2022).

 

Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, located in Abia State, Nigeria, serves as a key tertiary healthcare institution providing services to a wide range of patients, including the elderly. Given the rising numbers of elderly patients at FMC Umuahia, the need for appropriate geriatric care has become critical (Palati et al., 2020). Studies indicate that the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare workers, especially nurses, who are the primary caregivers for elderly patients, significantly influence the quality of care (Wong, 2020). Nurses' knowledge about the specific needs of elderly patients, their attitudes toward aging, and their practical application of that knowledge are critical for effective patient outcomes (Fita et al., 2021).

 

However, despite the recognized importance of elderly care, gaps remain in the training and preparedness of nurses working in Nigerian healthcare settings. Many nurses have limited training in geriatrics, which can lead to poor care outcomes for elderly patients. For instance, inadequate knowledge about age-related diseases such as dementia and other chronic conditions prevalent among the elderly results in suboptimal care delivery (Amoateng et al., 2024). Moreover, nurses' attitudes toward elderly patients, influenced by factors such as personal biases and the financial status of patients, can adversely affect the care provided. These attitudes may lead to neglect or unethical practices, which have been reported in various studies on elderly care (Dinakrisma et al., 2022; Kwon et al., 2013).

 

Moreover, practical barriers, such as the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, shortage of essential medications, and insufficient training programs, also hinder the effective practice of elderly care (Moreira et al., 2018). These factors contribute to negative outcomes, including higher mortality and morbidity rates among the elderly population in Nigeria (Shamim et al., 2021). In response to these challenges, it is essential to explore and understand the existing knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses working in elderly care at FMC Umuahia. A deeper understanding of these factors will aid in designing targeted interventions that can improve geriatric care outcomes and elevate the standard of healthcare for elderly patients in Nigeria (Abudu-Birresborn et al., 2022).

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The care of elderly patients requires specialized knowledge and skills that many healthcare workers in developing countries, including Nigeria, are not adequately equipped with. Although nurses at FMC Umuahia, like other healthcare professionals, receive basic training in patient care, geriatric care remains underemphasized (Essam Khattab et al., 2018). Elderly patients often face multiple chronic health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, which require comprehensive management strategies (Saif et al., 2023). However, evidence suggests that nurses at FMC Umuahia lack the advanced knowledge needed to manage these complex conditions, which can lead to poor care outcomes (Abougalambou et al., 2019).

 

Another critical issue is the negative attitude exhibited by some nurses toward elderly patients. Factors such as the financial status of patients, personal biases, and the high demands of elderly care contribute to this negative attitude. In many cases, elderly patients are seen as a burden, leading to unethical practices such as neglect and reduced empathy in care delivery (Ajam, 2021). These attitudes not only affect the quality of care but also violate the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals, as outlined in nursing codes of conduct (Adams et al., 2019).

 

Additionally, the practical implementation of elderly care at FMC Umuahia is hindered by several systemic issues. The lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, including specialized equipment for geriatric care, and limited access to medications and resources, further exacerbates the challenges faced by nurses (Mahmoodabad & Kamaladdini, 2023). Consequently, the elderly population is left vulnerable to poor health outcomes, high mortality rates, and diminished quality of life. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses in FMC Umuahia regarding the care of elderly patients, with a view to identifying gaps and providing recommendations for improvement.

 

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are:

1. To assess the level of knowledge that nurses at FMC Umuahia possess regarding the care of elderly patients.

2. To examine the attitudes of nurses toward elderly patients in FMC Umuahia.

3. To evaluate the practices employed by nurses in providing care to elderly patients at FMC Umuahia.

 

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge that nurses at FMC Umuahia possess regarding the care of elderly patients?

2. What are the attitudes of nurses toward elderly patients in FMC Umuahia?

3. What practices do nurses employ in the care of elderly patients at FMC Umuahia?

 

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses are proposed for this study:

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between the knowledge of nurses and the quality of care provided to elderly patients at FMC Umuahia.

Ho2: Nurses' attitudes do not significantly influence the care provided to elderly patients at FMC Umuahia.

Ho3: The practices of nurses are not significantly associated with the outcomes of elderly patient care at FMC Umuahia.

 

 

 

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it will provide critical insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses at FMC Umuahia concerning elderly care. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing gaps in geriatric care and improving healthcare outcomes for elderly patients. The findings from this study will also inform healthcare policymakers and hospital administrators about the training needs and systemic improvements required to enhance the quality of care for elderly patients. Moreover, the study will contribute to the body of knowledge in geriatric nursing, offering evidence-based recommendations for improving nursing education and practice in Nigeria.

 

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study will be conducted at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. It will focus on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses providing care to elderly patients at this healthcare institution. The study will not extend to other healthcare workers or hospitals, and it will concentrate on nurses who have direct interactions with elderly patients in various hospital departments.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 65 years and above receiving medical care.

Knowledge: The information and understanding that nurses possess about elderly care.

Attitude: The feelings and perceptions of nurses toward elderly patients, which influence their behavior.

Practice: The actions and interventions performed by nurses in providing care to elderly patients.