Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy of elderly caregivers in Chinese nursing homes: a cross-sectional study in Liaoning Province

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the perceptions of elderly caregivers in Chinese nursing homes (NHs) and associated factors with regard to knowledge, attitude about elderly and self-efficacy.SettingA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 12 NHs in Liaoning Province, China.ParticipantsA total of 403 caregivers from 12 NHs were surveyed.Outcome measuresData were collected using a self-administered questionnaire composed of the Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz I, Kogan’s Attitude Towards Old People Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and background characteristics of participants. An average score for knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy was calculated. Differences across groups were evaluated using Student’s t-test and analysis of variance. Multivariable linear regression models were established to estimate the associated factors.ResultsThe participating caregivers reported a relative low score on knowledge about the elderly (10.42±2.79), attitude towards old people (127.85±14.36) and self-efficacy (27.12±4.9). Multivariable regression analysis showed that respondents who had high educational level (β=0.212, 95% CI 0.193 to 0.824), received prejob training (β=0.193, 95% CI 0.081 to 1.169) and had high job satisfaction (general satisfaction: β=0.345, 95% CI 0.223 to 1.875; very satisfied: β=0.322, 95% CI 0.210 to 1.283) gave a positive rating on knowledge. Caregivers who were employed as formal staff (β=0.155, 95% CI 0.116 to 1.670), earned a high income (β=0.214, 95% CI 0.117 to 1.461) and had an interest in working with the elderly (β=0.141, 95% CI 0.088 to 1.508) tended to develop a positive attitude towards the elderly. However, caregivers who were female (β=−0.110, 95% CI −1.751 to −0.080) and had long work experience (β=−0.130, 95% CI −1.527 to −0.110) developed negative perception. Caregivers who were older (β=0.215, 95% CI 0.139 to 1.027), received prejob training (β=0.143, 95% CI 0.113 to 1.024), had an interest in working with the elderly (β=0.154, 95% CI 0.114 to 1.015), had high job satisfaction (β=0.177, 95% CI 0.116 to 1.223) and perceived better health status for the elderly (partial disability: β=0.437, 95% CI 0.259 to 1.600; no disability: β=0.288, 95% CI 0.153 to 1.211) gave a positive rating on self-efficacy.ConclusionKnowledge about the elderly, attitude towards old people and self-efficacy of elderly caregivers in Chinese NHs were at low levels. Some targeted intervention programmes, such as conducting professional training for aged care and a performance-based payment system, should be given priority to improve these attributes.

Exploring the effect of professional experience on knowledge towards geriatric care among nurses working in adult care units

“…Those participants who did not live with the older adult were more likely to have poor knowledge towards elder care compared with nurses who lived with older adult. This result was consistent with a study done in Egypt [ 15 ] and in China [ 27 ]. This significance might be explained as nurses who live with the older adult had more experience in giving care to elders and this could increase their knowledge towards elder care.…”

“…This guides nurses to upgrade their education to provide quality older adult care. It is consistent with studies done in Ethiopia [ 16 ], Egypt [ 15 ], Nigeria [ 25 ], Netherlands [ 28 ], and China [ 27 ]. This significant association might be related with those participants who had bachelor degree in nursing profession were equipped with better professional knowledge since they learn more advanced courses and elder management, which might in turn improve their knowledge on older adult care [ 10 , 16 ].…”

“…The finding of this study showed that most of nurses had poor knowledge on older adult care. This result was higher than studies done in Nigeria 40% [ 25 ], Israel 49% [ 12 ], Saudi Arabia14% [ 10 ], India 24% [ 26 ], Portuguese 21% [ 17 ], Malaysia 26% [ 13 ], and China 41% [ 27 ]. The variation might be due to differences in sample size i.e.…”

“…small number of respondents were involved in Portuguese [ 17 ]. In addition this may be related with the variation in socio-demographic characteristics, educational status, level of experience [ 10 , 13 , 26 , 27 ]. Furthermore, in Nigeria nurses working in tertiary hospital were involved, in which they have better access for training, and additional facilities that helps to improve the knowledge of nurses on older adult care [ 25 ].…”

Perception of Old Age by the Inhabitants of Poland

“…Consequently, attitudes toward the elderly are positive within every age group [18]. At the same time, a low level of positive attitudes toward elderly people predominates in China [19], whereas European countries such as Ireland, the UK, and Sweden show decidedly negative attitudes to elderly people. In particular, such negative attitudes have been observed in young generations [6,18,20].…”