ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE KNOWLEDGE IN NURSING EDUCATION: IDENTIFYING GAPS IN RISK FACTOR AWARENESS, SYMPTOM RECOGNITION, AND TREATMENT MISCONCEPTIONS AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/7nreb450Keywords:
Alzheimer's, , Nursing student, Education., Caregiving, Curriculum, Dementia, Risk FactorsAbstract
Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and a leading cause of dementia globally. With aging populations on the rise, the need for competent, informed nursing care becomes increasingly vital. In regions like Punjab, Pakistan, where healthcare infrastructure is still evolving, nursing students play a critical role in future dementia care. Understanding their knowledge level about AD is essential for shaping curriculum and ensuring early diagnosis, effective management, and family support.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease among nursing students in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on their understanding of its risk factors, symptoms, treatment strategies, and caregiving perspectives.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 76 nursing students from four institutions in Punjab: DHQ DG Khan Nursing College, The University of Lahore, Shalamar College of Nursing, and Nishtar Medical University. A structured, adapted questionnaire was used to gather data on demographics and knowledge regarding AD risk factors, symptoms, and treatment. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection occurred through both online and in-person surveys. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 29, applying descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test to assess associations, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among 76 participants, 59.2% were aged 18–21, and 90.8% were female. Clinical exposure to AD patients was reported by 42.1%. A significant 53.9% incorrectly identified AD as a normal part of aging, with 43.4% agreeing and 10.5% strongly agreeing. Misconceptions were widespread—48.7% believed aluminum exposure causes AD, 48.7% thought ginkgo biloba could slow disease progression, and 28.9% believed recovery is possible. A Chi-square value of 13.612 (p = 0.628) indicated no significant association between knowledge of AD and beliefs about driving safety.
Conclusion: The findings reveal substantial gaps in knowledge and widespread misconceptions about Alzheimer’s Disease among nursing students in Punjab. These results emphasize the need to integrate structured AD education into nursing curricula to promote accurate understanding, early recognition, and effective caregiving.
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