Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Chronic Pain in Older Adults Among Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE

Effective management of chronic pain in older adults is essential for enhancing physical health, quality of life, and psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health sciences students regarding chronic pain among older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among health sciences students at Fujian Health College from November to December 2023, utilizing a validated questionnaire. A total of 1785 valid questionnaires were enrolled (356 males; mean age: 18.82±0.94 years). A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to determine how the KAP dimensions influenced each other.

RESULTS

The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 20.60±3.22 (possible range: 0-32; 64.38% of maximum range), 48.57±8.31 (possible range: 12-60; 80.95% of maximum range), and 28.62±6.67 (possible range: 9-45; 63.60% of maximum range), respectively. The SEM analysis indicated that knowledge directly influenced attitudes (β=0.91, P<0.001) and practices (β=0.14, P=0.002), with an indirect influence on practices (β=0.28, P<0.001). Attitudes directly influenced practices (β=0.30, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study found that health sciences students exhibited moderate knowledge, a positive attitude, and moderate practices concerning chronic pain in older adults. Targeted educational interventions on this topic are essential in the training curriculum for future healthcare providers.