Knowledge and attitude of the nursing students towards elderly in davangere, Karnataka

Introduction: Population ageing is an important emerging demographic phenomenon in India. A growing older population implies the need for a higher quantity and quality of geriatric services, arrangements of income security and improved quality of life in general. In order to offer high quality and effective nursing care to those with a great need, a well-educated workforce is important. Aim(s) and Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of the nursing students towards old age people in Davangere, Karnataka. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in all the existing Institutes of Nursing Sciences (four) providing Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) Nursing situated in Davangere, India using the Kogan’s Old People Scale (KOPS) and the Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz I (PFAQ1). Results: Final year students had a higher total score than the first year students for the Kogan’s positive subscale (mean scores 50.65 and 45.02, respectively); reverse was observed for the Kogan’s negative subscale (mean scores 51.81 and 55.28, respectively). However this was not statistically significant. PFAQ1 total scores were more for the final year than first year students. Statistically significant difference in PFAQ1 was noted for the physical component. Conclusion: Nursing students in this study have an adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards the elderly.