Comparative knowledge of aging between geriatric and general nurses: a cross-sectional study in Croatia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12923/pielxxiw-2026-0001Keywords:
knowledge, nurses, aging, gerontology, Palmore’s QuizAbstract
ABSTRACT COMPARATIVE KNOWLEDGE OF AGING BETWEEN GERIATRIC AND GENERAL NURSES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN CROATIA
Introduction. Accurate knowledge of aging is essential for nurses to provide competent care to older adults. However, diff erences in this knowledge between geriatric and non-geriatric nurses remain underexplored in Central and Eastern Europe.
Aim. To compare the knowledge about aging between geriatric and general nurses in Croatia using Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,048 nurses across Croatia. Participants included 250 geriatric and 798 general nurses. An online survey, including Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz, was distributed. Descriptive statistics and chisquare tests were used for the analysis.
Results. Most of the quiz questions revealed no statistically signifi cant diff erences. However, general nurses were signifi cantly less likely to correctly agree that “about 80% of older adults report being healthy enough to carry out normal activities” (χ² = 6.847, p = 0.009).
Conclusions. Both groups of nurses exhibit knowledge gaps related to aging. Geriatric nurses demonstrate slightly better awareness of self-reported health among older adults. Tailored gerontological education should be implemented across all nursing domains.
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