Elderly Care Knowledge, Attitude and Perceived Self Efficacy of Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Ogoja Local Government Area. Cross River State

Elejire Martina Ekor, Okoronkwo Ijeoma Lewechi, Okachi Peter, Odey Patience Agbo, Akpanke Elisabeth, Bassey Martha Akoba, Ogaji Okpa Egom.

Abstract

Background: Nurses play a vital role in delivering effective geriatric care, and their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived self-efficacy strongly influence care quality and outcomes for older adults. This study assessed nurses’ knowledge of elderly care, attitudes toward older adults, and perceived selfefficacy in selected hospitals in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among all registered nurses (N=103) in selected hospitals. Data were collected using validated instruments: The Knowledge-about-Older-Patients Quiz, Kogan’s Attitudes toward Old People Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 24 using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: Fewer than half of nurses (48.5%) demonstrated good knowledge of elderly care, while 54.4% showed positive attitudes toward older adults. Perceived self-efficacy was moderate, with scores ranging from 25.0 to 32.5. Knowledge of elderly care was significantly associated with attitude (χ²=18.23, p<0.05) and perceived self-efficacy (F=16.89, p<0.001). Attitude toward elderly care was also significantly related to perceived self-efficacy (F=19.16, p<0.001). Socio-demographic variables, including age, years of experience, academic qualification, and marital status, were significantly associated with knowledge, while age and marital status were related to attitude and self-efficacy.

Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated generally adequate geriatric care knowledge and positive attitudes, with moderate perceived self-efficacy, highlighting the need for targeted training and supportive workplace interventions.