Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Workers Toward the Care of Elderly Patients in Secondary Hospitals, Taraba State, Nigeria

The global ageing population is rising rapidly, and this demographic transition is placing growing demands on health systems, including in Nigeria, where evidence on healthcare workers’ preparedness for geriatric care remains limited, particularly in Taraba State. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and associated factors influencing the care of elderly patients among healthcare workers in secondary hospitals in Taraba State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. The study population comprised 853 healthcare workers, from which a sample of 272 respondents was drawn using Yamane’s formula and a multistage sampling technique combining stratified random and convenience sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 0.05 level of significance, while qualitative data from five key informant interviews (KIIs) were analyzed thematically. Healthcare workers generally demonstrated good knowledge of the physical, nutritional, and physiological dimensions of elderly care, although notable gaps existed in the psychosocial and cognitive domains. Respondents held generally positive attitudes toward elderly care, characterized by empathy and respect, although a minority perceived elderly care as demanding and time-consuming. Practices related to elderly care, including functional assessment, nutritional support, and emergency management, were generally good, but workload and time constraints affected service delivery. Key informants identified inadequate geriatric training, staffing shortages, and the absence of structured geriatric services as major barriers to care. Chi-square analysis showed statistically significant associations between knowledge and years of experience (χ² = 14.92, df = 6, p = 0.008), attitude and professional status (χ² = 22.37, df = 9, p = 0.004), practice and gender (χ² = 13.58, df = 6, p = 0.012), and associated factors and care of the elderly (χ² = 18.66, df = 4, p = 0.001). Although healthcare workers in Taraba State demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and positive attitudes toward elderly care, gaps in psychosocial training and institutional support limit optimal service delivery. Continuous geriatric training, improved staffing, establishment of geriatric units, and strengthened policy support are recommended to enhance the quality of elderly care in secondary hospitals.