Analysis of Knowledge About, Attitude Toward, and Educational Needs for Dementia in Certified Caregivers

Ha, Eun Ho; Cho, Jin Young

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was first to identify knowledge about, attitude toward, and educational needs for dementia in certified caregivers; secondly, to understand the relationships among those variables; and thirdly, to provide base-line data for education program development.
METHODS
The participants in this study were 670 certified caregivers who were working in nursing homes or care hospitals throughout the whole of the country and engaged in education programs for improvement of their professional abilities. Collected data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Duncan, and Pearson's correlation coefficients with the SPSS 18.0 for Windows Program.
RESULTS
The scores for knowledge about, attitude toward, and educational needs for dementia were 14.12+/-2.83 out of 20, 42.27+/-5.54 out of 50 (item mean 4.22), and 121.51+/-22.13 out of 160 (item mean 3.79) respectively. There were statistically significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=.238, p<.001), educational needs (r=.083, p=.032), and attitude and educational needs (r=.244, p<.001).
CONCLUSION
Tailored and continuous educational programs for certified caregivers that can improve knowledge about the causes and symptoms of dementia should be developed. Nurses and professors who are experts in dementia should be on the front lines of education for caregivers.