1.1 Introduction
Care of the elderly patients refers to the comprehensive support and health services provided to older adults to maintain their physical health, psychological wellbeing, functional ability, and social quality of life as they advance in age. Elderly patients are commonly defined as individuals aged 60 years and above, although this threshold may vary across regions and health systems. Ageing is a natural biological process characterized by progressive physiological decline, increased susceptibility to chronic diseases, reduced mobility, and cognitive changes, all of which require specialized healthcare attention (World Health Organization, 2021).
Globally, the population of older adults is rising at an unprecedented rate due to improvements in medical care, nutrition, and public health interventions. As longevity increases, so does the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases, thereby intensifying the need for competent and compassionate elderly care (United Nations, 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, limitation of the study, research questions and hypothesis and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Ageing is a universal and inevitable biological process that is accompanied by progressive physiological, psychological, and social changes. The increasing proportion of elderly individuals in the global population has created new demands on healthcare systems, particularly in relation to long term, supportive, and rehabilitative care. The elderly population is expanding rapidly due to declining fertility rates and improvements in medical science, disease control, and health promotion strategies. World Health Organization according to global demographic estimates, the number of people aged 60 years and above is expected to double within a few decades, thereby placing significant pressure on healthcare delivery structures (World Health Organization, 2021).
The growing elderly population presents complex healthcare challenges because older adults often experience multiple chronic conditions simultaneously. United Nations reported that population ageing is reshaping health priorities worldwide, with increased prevalence of non communicable diseases, functional impairments, and cognitive decline among older persons (United Nations, 2019). These health issues require specialized knowledge, skills, and care approaches that differ from those used for younger populations. Consequently, health workers are expected to possess adequate geriatric competence to manage these multifaceted needs effectively.
Knowledge of elderly care forms the foundation upon which quality service delivery is built. Aboderin and Beard asserted that insufficient geriatric knowledge among healthcare providers contributes to delayed diagnosis of age related conditions, poor management of chronic illnesses, and increased risk of complications among elderly patients (Aboderin & Beard, 2015). Health workers who lack training in gerontology may also struggle with medication management, recognition of atypical disease presentation, and provision of preventive care.
In addition to knowledge, the attitude of health workers toward elderly patients plays a vital role in determining the nature and quality of care delivered. Kydd and Fleming stated that age related stereotyping and discriminatory perceptions among healthcare providers negatively influence their interactions with older adults (Kydd & Fleming, 2015). When elderly patients are perceived as dependent, unproductive, or burdensome, the care provided may become task oriented rather than patient centered. On the other hand, positive attitudes foster empathy, patience, and respect, all of which are essential for maintaining the dignity and emotional wellbeing of elderly patients.
Practice represents the practical application of knowledge and attitude in real healthcare settings. It involves direct caregiving activities such as assisting with feeding, hygiene, mobility, medication administration, monitoring of vital signs, and psychosocial support. HelpAge International contend that effective elderly care practice requires institutional support systems including adequate staffing, geriatric friendly infrastructure, assistive devices, and continuous professional development programs (HelpAge International, 2020). Furthermore, healthcare institutions in many developing regions face structural challenges that undermine elderly care delivery. These include overcrowded facilities, insufficient funding, shortage of specialized geriatric personnel, and absence of standardized care guidelines. Such systemic limitations often result in fragmented, inconsistent, and inadequate care for elderly patients. This study is set against the backdrop of increasing elderly population, rising geriatric health challenges, and the critical role of health workers in ensuring effective knowledge, positive attitudes, and best care practices toward elderly patients.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that some health workers hold negative perceptions about ageing and elderly care, often viewing it as burdensome, time consuming, or less rewarding compared to other areas of healthcare. Such attitudes is reflected in reduced empathy, impatience, and minimal engagement with elderly patients, which in turn affects patient satisfaction and overall wellbeing (Aboderin & Beard, 2015). On the other hand, positive attitudes among health workers is linked with improved communication, respect for dignity, and better therapeutic relationships, all of which enhance recovery and quality of life among older adults.
Furthermore, the care of elderly patients is increasingly becoming a critical component of healthcare delivery due to the rising life expectancy and the growing population of older adults globally. Health workers are expected to possess adequate knowledge, demonstrate positive attitudes, and engage in appropriate care practices that address the complex physical, psychological, and social needs of the elderly (WHO, 2021). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Care of the Elderly Patients among Health Workers.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the knowledge, attitude and perception of care of the elderly patients among health workers. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the level of knowledge health workers possess regarding care of elderly patients in the study area.
- To examine the attitudes of health workers toward elderly patients in the area under study.
- To identify system related factors influencing knowledge, attitude and practice of elderly care.
- To determine the relationship between knowledge and practice of elderly care among health workers.
- To evaluate the care practices adopted by health workers in managing elderly patients in the area under review.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does the level of knowledge of the care of the elderly affects health workers in Jos University Teaching Hospital?
- Does health workers demonstrate negative attitude toward elderly patients?
- What care practices are adopted by health workers in the management of elderly patients?
- What relationship exists between knowledge and practice of elderly care among health workers?
- What system related factors influence knowledge, attitude and practice of elderly care?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between health workers' knowledge and their practice of care of elderly patients
- H1: There is an significant relationship between health workers' knowledge and their practice of care of elderly patients
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will benefit practicing health workers by increasing awareness of the importance of positive attitudes in elderly care. Also, hospital administrators will utilize the findings to strengthen staffing structures, training programs, and geriatric care protocols.
Furthermore, government and policymakers will use the evidence to formulate policies that support healthy ageing and elderly healthcare services. In addition, educational institutions will refine curricula to incorporate comprehensive geriatric education and clinical exposure.
Lastly, elderly patients and their families will experience improved quality care, dignity, and psychosocial support.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this study is focused on the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Care of the Elderly Patients among Health Workers in selected healthcare facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria. It covers doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals involved in direct patient care.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the level of understanding, awareness, and clinical information possessed by health workers regarding ageing processes, disease conditions, and comprehensive care needs of elderly patients. It includes theoretical learning and practical training in geriatric healthcare (World Health Organization, 2021).
Attitude:
Attitude is the perceptions, beliefs, feelings, and emotional dispositions of health workers toward elderly patients and their care. It influences communication style, empathy level, and willingness to provide supportive care (Kydd & Fleming, 2015).
…