Background of the Study
End-of-life (EOL) care is a critical component of geriatric healthcare, aimed at ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life for terminally ill elderly patients. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) emphasizes the importance of palliative and end-of-life care, particularly in regions with a rapidly aging population. Proper EOL care involves pain management, emotional support, ethical decision-making, and communication with patients and their families (Aliyu & Usman, 2023).
Despite the significance of EOL care, nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward it vary widely, affecting the quality of care provided. Studies suggest that inadequate training, cultural beliefs, and personal discomfort with death can hinder effective EOL nursing practices (Bello et al., 2023). In Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State, where cultural and religious beliefs influence perceptions of death, nurses may face ethical and emotional challenges in delivering appropriate EOL care (Ibrahim & Yusuf, 2024).
A lack of standardized guidelines, limited palliative care training, and the emotional toll of caring for dying patients can further impact nurses' ability to provide compassionate and competent EOL care (Oladipo & Hassan, 2024). This study seeks to appraise the knowledge and attitudes of nurses in Sokoto State toward EOL care for elderly patients, identifying gaps and proposing strategies for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing need for EOL care services, many nurses lack adequate training and confidence in providing compassionate care to terminally ill elderly patients (Ahmed & Yusuf, 2023). In Sokoto State, where cultural and religious perspectives on death and dying shape healthcare practices, nurses may struggle to balance professional responsibilities with ethical dilemmas surrounding EOL care (Bello et al., 2024).
Additionally, misconceptions about palliative care, emotional burnout, and inadequate institutional support may contribute to suboptimal EOL care delivery. Without a clear understanding of nurses' knowledge levels and attitudes, efforts to improve EOL care in Sokoto State may remain ineffective. This study aims to assess these factors and recommend strategies to enhance the delivery of end-of-life care.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the knowledge of nurses regarding end-of-life care for elderly patients in Sokoto State.
2. To assess nurses’ attitudes toward providing EOL care.
3. To propose strategies for improving EOL nursing care in Sokoto State.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of knowledge of nurses about end-of-life care for elderly patients?
2. What are nurses’ attitudes toward providing EOL care?
3. What strategies can be implemented to improve EOL nursing care?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in Sokoto State have inadequate knowledge of end-of-life care.
2. Negative attitudes toward EOL care hinder the delivery of quality nursing services.
3. Enhanced training and institutional support can improve EOL care for elderly patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in hospitals and elderly care facilities in Sokoto State. Limitations include variations in personal beliefs about EOL care and potential reluctance to discuss death-related topics.
Definition of Terms
• End-of-Life (EOL) Care: Medical and supportive care provided to patients in the final stages of life.
• Palliative Care: Specialized medical care aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 and above who require specialized healthcare services.
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