Abstract

This study explores the knowledge, attitude, and associated factors influencing the care of older people among nurses working in public hospitals in Bamenda, Cameroon. As the elderly population grows, the demand for specialized geriatric care increases, requiring nurses to be well-equipped with the knowledge and positive attitudes necessary for providing high-quality care. Understanding the factors that affect nurses’ knowledge and attitudes is essential for improving geriatric care services and ensuring better health outcomes for older adults.

The research employs a cross-sectional design, targeting nurses across various public hospitals in Bamenda. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing nurses’ knowledge of geriatric care principles, their attitudes towards caring for older patients, and the practices they employ in their daily work. The study also investigates factors such as age, years of experience, level of education, and prior training in geriatric care to determine their influence on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes. Additionally, the study examines perceived challenges in caring for older people and the availability of resources to support geriatric care.

Preliminary findings indicate that while most nurses demonstrate a basic understanding of geriatric care, there are notable gaps in their knowledge and practices. Nurses’ attitudes towards older patients vary, with some expressing concerns about the challenges of caring for this demographic, such as time constraints and the complexity of managing multiple chronic conditions. Factors such as limited geriatric training, heavy workloads, and inadequate resources are identified as barriers to effective care. The study also reveals that nurses with more experience and higher levels of education tend to have better knowledge and more positive attitudes towards geriatric care.

The research underscores the importance of enhancing geriatric education and training for nurses in Bamenda’s public hospitals. Recommendations include the integration of geriatric care modules into nursing curricula, continuous professional development opportunities focusing on elder care, and the provision of adequate resources to support nurses in delivering quality care to older adults. By addressing these areas, the study aims to improve the overall standard of care for the elderly in Bamenda.

Keywords
Geriatric care, knowledge, attitude, nurses, older people, Bamenda, Cameroon, public hospitals, associated factors, nursing education.