Assessing the Relationship Between Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Elder Abuse With Caring Behaviours...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Older adult abuse is a growing concern within healthcare settings.
• Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical in identifying and preventing elder abuse.
• Understanding these factors is essential for improving the quality of care for older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning older adult abuse.
• To explore the impact of these factors on nurses' caring behaviours.
• To focus on Iranian nurses to understand specific cultural and professional contexts.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 250 nurses in Ardabil, Iran.
• Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding elder abuse and caregiving.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, t-tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression.

Main Results:

• Nurses demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding older adult abuse.
• Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge, attitudes, and caring behaviours.
• Higher education levels correlated with better caring behaviours, but practice scores lagged behind knowledge and attitudes due to barriers like workload and training gaps.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards older adult abuse are significantly linked to their caring behaviours.
• Educational programs should focus on enhancing nurses' understanding and empathy in elder care.
• Addressing gaps in knowledge and practice through continuous training is vital for improving patient outcomes and fostering a compassionate healthcare environment.