Determination of the knowledge and awareness of nursing students about elder neglect and abuse: The case in Turkey.

PURPOSE: This study determined the level of knowledge and awareness of elder neglect and abuse among nursing students in Turkey.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional, descriptive study surveyed 2128 nursing students across seven Turkish universities.

FINDINGS: Results indicated that 31.1% of students had received training on elder neglect and abuse; 77.5% considered their knowledge of the topic to be sufficient; 18.7% had encountered elder neglect and abuse during their education; 58.7% did nothing for the situation; 95.2% thought that people living alone were exposed to elder neglect and abuse more frequently; and 94.8% of students thought that elders who could not meet their own needs were exposed to more neglect and abuse.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Future nurses need to increase their level of knowledge about abuse and neglect of the elderly.