Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses in Wuxi, China Towards Alzheimer's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This study investigated knowledge and attitude towards Alzheimer's disease among nurses in China. Design: A cross-sectional design. Methods: A total of 186 nurses were recruited in Wuxi, China from January to March 2024. The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and Dementia Attitudes Scale were used to evaluate nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were utilised to evaluate the levels and influencing factors of their knowledge and attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease. Results: The participants' average the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and Dementia Attitudes Scale scores were 20.82 +/- 2.31 (approximately 69.4% correctly) and 86.23 +/- 14.14 (approximately 61.6%), respectively. Professional titles and whether or not they had received previous training about Alzheimer's Disease were among the factors affecting their dementia knowledge. Education background and workplace were the influencing factors of nurses' attitude towards dementia. Conclusion: Nursing personnel in the Wuxi region demonstrate a limited understanding of Alzheimer's disease, coupled with positive attitudes towards its care. It is imperative to implement effective strategies to enhance in-service training for nurses regarding dementia. This initiative aims to elevate their level of knowledge, improve their attitudes towards dementia care, and ultimately enhance the quality of nursing provided to individuals with dementia.