Project Materials

 ATTITUDE OF STUDENT NURSES’ TOWARD PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to examine nursing students’ attitudes towards people with disabilities in the Western world and compare them to a pilot study conducted in Africa to account for cultural variations and demographic characteristics. A systematic review of past studies was conducted. The pilot study included 100 pupils from Ghana. Students completed a questionnaire (Interaction with Disabled Person Scale), which was then analysed statistically to determine frequency, percentage, averages, and standard deviation. The findings demonstrated that students, while coming from varied cultural backgrounds, nevertheless exhibited a negative attitude towards people with impairments. In the pilot research, there was no significant difference in age or gender. There are slight disparities in educational level, but large differences in contact with persons with disabilities, how frequently they are in contact, and with whom they communicate. The survey found that there is a negative attitude among nursing students, regardless of cultural origin. More research should be conducted on this, and immediate action should be taken to alter students’ attitudes in order to meet the ever-increasing numbers of disabled persons.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Today, people who are intellectually, physically, or emotionally impaired make up a sizable proportion of the global population (Sen & Yurtsever 2007, 238). In 2004, 18.6 million (2.9%) of the world’s 6.5 billion people were seriously crippled, with another 79.7 million (12.4%) suffering from moderate long-term disability.

Disability prevalence rises sharply with age. (WHO 2004, 33). The global prevalence of moderate and severe disability ranges from 5% in children aged 0 to 14, 15% in people aged 15 to 59, and 46% in individuals aged 60 and up. At all ages, low- and middle-income nations have greater rates of moderate and severe impairment than high-income countries, and Africa has a higher rate than other low- and middle-income countries.

Older people account for a larger proportion of the population in high-income countries, but they have lower rates of disability than their counterparts in low- and middle-income countries.

Disability is also more prevalent among children in low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, moderate disability rates are similar for both men and women, but females have slightly higher rates of severe disability.

Male and female disability rates are similar in low- and middle-income countries, but females aged 15-59 have higher rates of moderate disability in Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific. (WHO 2004, 34-35).

Surveys conducted in all EU member states have revealed that approximately 16% of the population aged 16-64 has a long-term health problem or disability, with 3.4% having a severe health problem. (US Agency for International Development, 2009.) Biritwum et al. (2001) also found that the prevalence of disabilities increases with age in Ghana.

As a result, health care professionals are in high demand to provide services to the growing number of people with disabilities. A call to action was issued in the United States to enhance the health and wellness of men, women, and children with disabilities (Smeltzer 2007, 189).

Many people have reported negative interactions with health care providers in all health professions. Collectively, the nursing profession has been mute in response to this request. (Smeltzer 2007, 189).

Mantzious et al. (2002,1) complained in Greece about communication issues and bad relationships with health professionals, delays in identification and treatment, insufficient information, advice, and support, insufficient specialised holistic care, and a lack of home care services.

To preserve the situation, additional information about the existing state of future nursing attitudes, as well as the variables influencing these views. Nursing personnel have been reported to avoid this area due to their unfavourable attitude towards people with impairments (Johnston & Dixon 2006,1).

This bachelor thesis examines the current behaviour of nursing students and the elements that most impact their attitudes towards disabled people. The review also includes societal views towards people with disabilities, as well as attitudes towards people with disabilities held by other health care professionals and students.

However, a pilot research was undertaken in Ghana with 60 nursing students to assess for cultural influence on attitudes.

This study is very essential in the sense that, the results will give information on the status of students’ attitude towards people with disabilities.

Result’s will also enlighten the educators, health experts, counselors and work practice employers to build programs that would improve the attitude of students toward persons with impairments.