Project Materials

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CARE OF THE ELDERLY PATIENTS AMONG HEALTH WORKERS

ABSTRACT

With the global trend of an ageing population, there has been a commensurate increase in health concerns linked with the senior population, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. With the growing ageing population, the number of people who require health care would definitely increase, which prompted this study. The study aims to analyse the degree of knowledge, attitude, and practice of caring for elderly patients among health personnel at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State. The specific goal was to (i) measure the level of understanding on the physical, emotional, and social care of the elderly in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. (ii) Determine health workers’ attitudes towards the elderly, (iii) Determine health workers’ practices in providing senior care, and (iv) Identify factors influencing health workers’ attitudes towards the elderly at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Calabar. The study’s hypothesis examined the relationship between health workers’ years of experience and their attitudes regarding caring for the elderly at UCTH Calabar. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study’s population comprised 1023 health personnel, including 402 doctors, 600 nurses, 10 dentists, and 11 physiotherapists who provided direct clinical treatment to senior patients. The sample size was estimated using Taro-Yamane’s (1967) simplified formula for finite populations, yielding a sample of 461 health workers. Questionnaires were used to gather data, and the instrument’s reliability was assessed using the test-retest approach, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.91. The surveys were divided into five pieces: section A featured socio-demographic data, while sections B, C, and D contained items that assessed knowledge level. Attitude, practice, and Section E elicited information on issues influencing elderly care. The completed questionnaire was coded and analysed with E.P.I. info-7. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and standard deviation. The criterion mean of 2.5 was likewise utilised, and the study found that 95% of health personnel were knowledgeable about aged care. The majority of health personnel showed a favourable attitude above a rating scale of 2.5. The health personnel took moderate care of the elderly. Years of experience, age, and the old’s mental state all had a favourable influence on health personnel’ attitudes towards caring for the elderly. There was a significant association (P<0.05=”” a=”” all=”” also=”” and=”” attitude=”” be=”” between=”” care=”” conclusion=”” curriculum=”” demanding=”” effective=”” elderly). =”” Elderly=”” Established=”” Experience. =”” Experience=”” for the future. =”” General=”” Geriatric=”” Had=”” Have=”” Health=”” Hospitals. =”” in=”” is=”” less=”” manage=”” means=”” more=”” required. =”” need=”” negative=”” nursing=”” of=”” offer=”” order=”” positive=”” professionals=”” recommended=”” right=”” role=”” services=”” skilled=”” skills=”” span=”” strengthened=”” study=”” that=”” the=”” accordingly=”” those=”” to=”” towards=”” very=”” wards=”” while=”” with=”” workers=”” workforce=”” years=””>

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

According to Bowen and Atwood (2004), ageing is the accumulation of changes in a person over time. It entails a complex process of physical, psychological, and social transformation. Some aspects of ageing increase and expand throughout time, while others decrease.

According to research, even in old age, there is still room for physical, mental, and social growth and development. It is not an illness, but rather a stage of life in which there occurs a retrograde biological process in growth and development, resulting in lower abilities for survival and adaptation.

Ageing is a significant component of all human societies, reflecting biological changes as well as cultural and societal conventions.

Every day, an estimated 100,000 people worldwide die from age-related causes (Aubrey de Grey, 2007). According to the National Population Commission (NPC, 2006), people who are old enough to receive a pension and are aged 60 to 65 are considered elderly.

The elderly are divided into four age groups: young old (60-74), middle old (75-84), old (85-94), and eldest old (95 years and up). (Barman, Snyder, Kozier, and Erb, 2008).

Caring for the elderly entails meeting the distinct needs and wants of senior persons. It provides services such as assisted living, adult day care, long-term care, nursing facilities, hospice care, and home care.

Elderly care emphasises the social and personal needs of senior individuals who require assistance with everyday activities and health care but want to age with dignity. The care of the elderly is multifaceted, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects (Ayres 2008).