Factors related to nursing students’ knowledge and attitude toward dementia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of nursing students’ knowledge and attitude toward dementia, and identify some factors related to this knowledge and attitude toward dementia. Methodology: A descriptive crosssectional design was conducted among 290 nursing students at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Results: Students have relatively low knowledge but have a positive attitude toward dementia. There was a relationship between age, academic year, ethnicity, experience in accessing information about dementia, geriatric nursing education and dementia, caring for older adults, interest in dementia and intention to work in a geriatric hospital with students’ knowledge. Factors related to students’ attitudes include experience in accessing information about dementia, interest in dementia, intention to work in a geriatric hospital, and dementia training needs. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen training programs in dementia care to improve the knowledge of nursing students about dementia Key words: attitude, dementia, knowledge, nursing students