An Examination of Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Palliative Care in Elderly Patients in Kano State
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Background of the Study (400 words)
Palliative care is a specialized approach to medical care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by addressing pain, symptoms, and emotional distress. It is particularly important for elderly patients, who often suffer from chronic conditions such as cancer, heart failure, and neurodegenerative diseases (Okeke & Yusuf, 2024). Despite its significance, the implementation of palliative care in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, remains limited due to various factors, including healthcare providers' attitudes toward end-of-life care (Abdullahi, 2023).
Nurses play a crucial role in palliative care, as they provide direct patient support, manage symptoms, and offer emotional comfort to both patients and their families. Their attitudes towards palliative care significantly impact its effectiveness, influencing pain management strategies, communication with patients, and overall patient experience (Olawale, 2024). However, studies suggest that many nurses in Nigeria lack formal training in palliative care, which can lead to misconceptions, fear of opioid use, and reluctance to engage in end-of-life discussions (Ahmed & Musa, 2025).
Cultural and religious beliefs also shape nurses' perspectives on palliative care in Kano State, where end-of-life care is sometimes viewed through a spiritual lens (Bello, 2023). While some nurses recognize the importance of palliative care, others may associate it with giving up on treatment, leading to resistance in fully integrating palliative practices into patient care (Ibrahim, 2024).
This study seeks to examine nurses’ attitudes towards palliative care in elderly patients in Kano State, exploring factors such as professional training, cultural beliefs, and institutional support. By identifying barriers and facilitators, the study aims to provide insights that will improve palliative care delivery and patient outcomes in Nigeria (Suleiman, 2024).
Statement of the Problem (300 words)
Despite the critical role of palliative care in elderly patient management, its adoption remains low in Kano State. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, play a vital role in implementing palliative care practices, yet many exhibit mixed attitudes towards its necessity and application (Okeke & Yusuf, 2024). Some nurses view palliative care as essential for improving patients' quality of life, while others see it as a last resort, leading to inconsistent implementation in healthcare settings (Abdullahi, 2023).
One of the major challenges affecting nurses’ attitudes is the lack of formal palliative care training in nursing curricula and healthcare institutions (Ahmed & Musa, 2025). Many nurses lack knowledge of pain management techniques, proper communication with terminally ill patients, and ethical considerations related to end-of-life care. Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs strongly influence nurses' perspectives on palliative care, with some viewing it as contradictory to spiritual healing and traditional caregiving practices (Bello, 2023).
Another concern is the inadequate institutional support for palliative care, as many healthcare facilities in Kano State lack specialized palliative care units, necessary medications, and interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care (Ibrahim, 2024). Without proper policies and resources, nurses may struggle to offer comprehensive palliative care, further affecting their attitudes toward its practice.
This study seeks to examine the attitudes of nurses towards palliative care for elderly patients in Kano State, identifying the factors influencing these attitudes and suggesting ways to improve palliative care implementation in healthcare settings.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess nurses' attitudes towards palliative care for elderly patients in Kano State.
2. To examine the factors influencing nurses' attitudes towards palliative care.
3. To explore the relationship between nurses' training and their perceptions of palliative care.
Research Questions
1. What are nurses' attitudes towards palliative care for elderly patients in Kano State?
2. What factors influence nurses' attitudes towards palliative care?
3. How does nurses' training impact their perceptions and implementation of palliative care?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: Nurses’ attitudes towards palliative care do not significantly affect its implementation in elderly care.
2. H₀: There is no significant relationship between nurses' training and their perceptions of palliative care.
3. H₀: Cultural and religious beliefs do not significantly influence nurses' attitudes toward palliative care.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in public and private hospitals in Kano State. The study is limited by potential biases in self-reported data, variations in palliative care exposure among nurses, and challenges in assessing attitudes quantitatively.
Definitions of Terms
• Palliative Care: A specialized form of medical care aimed at relieving pain and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
• Nurses’ Attitudes: The beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors exhibited by nurses towards palliative care.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 and above who require medical care for age-related conditions.
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