Knowledge about aging and perception of the old by Nigerian nurses

Interviews of 168 Nigerian nurses were made to determine their knowledge about aging, their perceptions of old people and their opinions regarding geriatric medicine in Nigeria. Data analyses reveal that nurses have positive perceptions of old people, appear knowledgeable about medical aspects of aging and not so knowledgeable about mental health problems of the old. Constraints to geriatric practice were seen in the personal characteristics of the old, the youth-oriented medical set-up and the socio-cultural values which discourage the old from seeking care. Discussions focus on the implications of the findings for health care delivery to the old.