Knowledge And Attitude Of Dementia Among Nursing Students In Nepal

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards dementia in Nepal,and consequently study how demographic factors influence the knowledge and attitude towards people with dementia.Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was adopted for the study.The data was collected from nursing students(n=177)who were from the Nursing colleges,located in Nepal.Socio-demographic data form of nursing students,Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale(ADKS)and Dementia Attitude Scale(DAS)were used to measure students’ knowledge and attitude of dementia.The collected data was checked,reviewed and organized for accuracy and completeness.Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and was interpreted by using descriptive method like percentage,mean,and standard deviation.Correlational analysis,Chi-square,t test and multiple linear regression were used to measure associations between variables.Results: Among the total participants,three quarters of the participants belonged to younger age group of 17-24 with a mean age of 22.68(SD=2.789)and had first choice for studying nursing.Although gerontology related curriculum was included in undergraduate nursing study in Nepal,almost all students(97.2%)in this study were never received any dementia care training programs during the course of their study.Moreover,nursing students was found with the lack of work experience with dementia patients during the study.In addition,the overall mean score of ADKS was found at 19.64(SD=3.363)out of 30 which is equivalent to 80.8% of correct answers,and the total mean score on dementia attitude of DAS was 93.82(SD=10.09)out of 140.Meanwhile,a positive relationship was remained between the knowledge score and the attitude scores(r = 0.148,P=0.050).Additionally,the domain of Assessment and Diagnosis(2.94±0.851,out of 4)was found to have the highest correct answers(94.9%),whereas the life impact domain with mean score(1.56±0.714,out of 3)revealed the lowest correct responses(50.8%).Moreover,sociodemographic factors especially marital status(B=2.226,p =0.002)and work experience(B=-1.222 and p=0.041)influenced the knowledge,while presence of people with dementia in family,friends and relatives(B=4.256 and,p =0.050)and other dementia learning(B=5.145 and p=0.005)significantly influenced the attitude of nursing students towards people with dementia Conclusion: This study concluded that the nursing students in Nepal demonstrate limited knowledge of dementia,while show positive attitude toward people with dementia.Moreover,study results also demand the proper dementia care training and more clinical exposure for the nursing students to improve the knowledge of dementia to be ready in their professional career.