Abstract
Background
Elderly patients require specialized nursing care due to age-related physical, psychological, and social changes. Nurses play an important role in promoting safe, respectful, and quality care for older adults. Adequate knowledge and positive attitude are essential for improving elderly patient outcomes.
Aim
The aim of the study was to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitude towards the care of elderly patients at Jinnah Hospital Lahore.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted among staff nurses working in medical and surgical wards of Jinnah Hospital Lahore. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 142 nurses. Data were collected through an adapted questionnaire regarding knowledge and attitude towards elderly patient care. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Frequencies and percentages were used to present the findings.
Results
The results showed that 68 (47.9%) nurses had poor knowledge, 39 (27.5%) had moderate knowledge, and 35 (24.6%) had good knowledge regarding elderly patient care. Regarding attitude, 90 (63.4%) nurses had a positive attitude, while 52 (36.6%) had a negative attitude towards caring for elderly patients.
Conclusion
The study concluded that nurses had a positive attitude but inadequate knowledge regarding elderly patient care. Regular geriatric nursing training, workshops, and continuous professional development programs are recommended