KIẾN THỨC CHĂM SÓC NGƯỜI CAO TUỔI CỦA SINH VIÊN ĐIỀU DƯỠNG TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC Y DƯỢC CẦN THƠ

Abstract

Background: Today, population aging is a matter of concern not only in Vietnam but also worldwide. The remarkable socio-economic development has contributed to an increased demand for healthcare for the elderly. Vietnam officially entered the aging population phase in 2011, and the number of people aged 60 and over has continuously increased over the years. This situation necessitates the provision of healthcare equipment and resources to support the elderly. It demands that nursing students – the future workforce directly involved in healthcare – possess sufficient professional knowledge in elderly care to contribute to improving the quality of care. However, research results show that elderly care is an area requiring improvement among nursing students. The majority of nursing students have inadequate knowledge, despite a relatively positive attitude towards the elderly. Therefore, evaluating the knowledge of nursing students regarding elderly care is necessary to improve training programs and enhance the quality of care. Objectives: To describe the knowledge of nursing students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy regarding older adults. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 nursing students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire consisting of 50 items designed to assess students’ knowledge of age-related physiological, psychological, and social changes; the aging process; physical health; healthcare needs; and common health problems among older adults. Knowledge was considered adequate when students correctly answered more than 70% of the questionnaire items. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Nursing students’ knowledge about older adults was inadequate (Mean±S.D=30.6±6.4). 59% of students had poor knowledge of elderly care. Conclusions: Nursing students’ knowledge regarding older adults was inadequate. Additional appropriate programs are needed to enhance nursing students’ knowledge in caring for older adults.