Nurses' Knowledge and Associated Factors Towards Geriatric Care in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Geriatric care involves providing comprehensive support and healthcare services to older adults aged 65 years and above. Nurses serve as a cornerstone in the delivery of effective geriatric care. However, existing primary studies in Ethiopia present inconsistent and fragmented findings, and there is no comprehensive nationwide data on this topic.

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the pooled prevalence of knowledge about geriatric care and its associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia.

Relevant studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar up to April 2025. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed with STATA version 17. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated using the I² statistic, and pooled estimates were calculated. Subgroup analyses by region were conducted, and pooled odds ratios were determined for factors associated with nurses' knowledge of geriatric care.

The pooled prevalence of good knowledge towards geriatric care among nurses in Ethiopia was 41.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 33.48-48.53). Living with older adults (odds ratio (OR)= 2.19; 95% CI: 1.47-2.91; I² = 87.22%, p < 0.001), receiving training on geriatric care (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 1.65-5.19; I² = 98.73%), having relevant work experience (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.36-3.50; I² = 90.11%, p < 0.001), and attaining a higher educational status (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.76-5.51; I² = 90.11%, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of geriatric care among nurses.

The pooled prevalence of nurses' knowledge of geriatric care in Ethiopia was low. Targeted interventions focusing on educational advancement, structured training, work experience, and exposure to older adults are essential to improve knowledge and strengthen geriatric care delivery.