Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 275-280
Assessment of the Knowledge Regarding Alzheimer’s Disease among Senior Citizens in Selected Community at Tirupati
Mrs. M. Swathi1, Dr. S. Hemalatha2, Dr. M. Bhagyalakshmi2
1Maternal and Child Health, Gosha Hospital, Vizianagaram
2Assistant Professor, Department of Mental health nursing, SVIMS College of nursing, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences University, Tirupati-517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. S. Hemalatha
ABSTRACT
Background: Increases in life expectancy during the 21st century have produced an aged population of an unprecedented size and longevity. Ageing leads to several biological changes that take place over time and results in progressive loss of functional capacity. The aged have to cope up with many physical and mental health problems with advancing age requiring constant attention. Depression, hypertension, arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s diseases are highly prevalent among the aged.
Objectives:
To assess the knowledge on Alzheimer’s disease among senior citizens in a selected community.
To find out the association between the level of knowledge with selected demographic variables of senior citizens.
Methodology : Descriptive research approach was adopted , sample were selected by non probability purposive sampling technique(N=100) .Data was collected by structured interview schedule.
Results: Among 100 senior citizens, 25% had inadequate knowledge, 46% had moderate knowledge, and 29% had adequate knowledge. There was a statistically significant association between the levels of knowledge among senior citizens with their selected geographical background, education, marital status, source of information and specific source of information regarding Alzheimer’s disease. On conclusion, senior citizens with inadequate knowledge, unable to expand their knowledge towards the Alzheimer’s disease. So the researcher prepared a book let on Alzheimer’s disease to improve their knowledge on Alzheimer’s disease.
Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, Knowledge, Senior citizen