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Annals of Multidisciplinary Research Insights
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Awareness and Attitude on Care of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Among College Students at Selected College, Chennai

S Priya* , K Vijayalakshmi , I Stella Mary , J Jaslina Gnanarani

* Corresponding author · hover a name for details

DOI: 10.67709/amri.28-36XML metadata
Language:
EN

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Nursing students, as future caregivers, require both adequate knowledge and positive attitudes to deliver effective patient care.

Objective: This study assessed the awareness and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward AD care and examined the relationship between these variables.

Methods: A descriptive correlational design was employed among 100 final year B.Sc. Nursing students at selected nursing college, Chennai. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on AD awareness (20 items) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (20 items, 7-point Likert). Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: Most students demonstrated inadequate knowledge (mean score 8.12/20 ± 3.21; 40.6%), with only 2% achieving adequate knowledge. In contrast, 80% expressed positive attitudes (mean score 79.30/140 ± 14.00; 66.08%). No significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Nursing students exhibited encouragingly positive attitudes but insufficient knowledge regarding AD care. These findings highlight the urgent need for curriculum integration of dementia specific content, simulation based training, and structured clinical exposure to better prepare students for patient centered Alzheimer’s care.

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