KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES IN PROVIDING CARE TO THE ELDERLY POPULATION

Abstract

Background: One of the global issues that needs attention is the growth of the elderly population. Various studies have revealed that the elderly are at a greater risk of experiencing chronic diseases. This has the potential to increase the rates of morbidity and mortality, thus elevating the demand for elderly healthcare. Nurses play a central role in providing this care. In performing this task, nurses heavily rely on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward the elderly. Purpose: To examine the knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards the elderly during the provision of gerontic care based on the latest literature. Method: To examine the knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards the elderly during the provision of gerontic care based on the latest literature. Results: Out of a total of 148 articles, five articles were ultimately selected, which discussed the knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding the care of the elderly. These five articles were cross-sectional studies from different countries with nurses as participants. Conclusion: Most of the articles indicate that nurses' knowledge and attitudes in providing care to the elderly population are still suboptimal. This is influenced by various factors. Improvement in nurses' knowledge and attitudes related to the aging process and elderly care can contribute to enhancing the quality of healthcare received by the elderly.

Keyword: Knowledge, Attitude, Nurse, Elderly, Senior Citizen (Elderly)