Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Community Health Nursing

Elderly population faces a broad range of medical, physical and social needs that require assistance on a temporary or full-time basis, depending on their needs. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and practices of caregivers regarding physical and social needs of elderly in geriatric homes. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Setting: the study was conducted at six geriatric homes located in Cairo Governorate. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 caregivers was included in the study. Tools: I- Structured interviewing questionnaire: age, education, experience years etc... II- Caregivers' knowledge questionnaire: as nutrition, hygiene, sleeping, social interaction, etc{u2026} III- Observational Checklist: as nutrition for independent elderly, exercises for dependent elderly, social interactions with elderly, items related to the caregivers' self reported practices as administration of medication, mobilization, social problems, etc... Results: 91.0% of the caregivers had unsatisfactory total knowledge scores and more than two third of them gained partially satisfactory total self reported practice scores and 52.0% had partially satisfactory total practice scores during observational checklist. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between total knowledge and total practice scores of caregivers. Also, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between total knowledge scores & total practice scores and caregiver{u2019}s education, income, training program. This study concluded that, the majority of caregivers had less than satisfactory knowledge and practice scores regarding needs of elderly. Recommendation: develop a health education program for caregivers to raise their awarenesses regarding needs of the elderly.

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