A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude regarding Palliative care among the Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. It can provide at any stage of serious illness. Palliative care includes the symptomatic treatment and also helpful in improving the quality of life of a person suffering from serious illness.

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding palliative care among student nurses in a selected college.

Method

A quantitative research approach along with descriptive research design was used. Data was collected through convenience sampling technique from 105 students of DGNM 2^nd year and B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing 2^nd year of Rufaida College of Nursing, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi in the month of July 2024. Structured knowledge questionnaire and five-point rating scale was used to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding palliative care.

Result

Out of 105 samples, 4.77% has adequate knowledge on palliative care, followed by 42.85% having moderately adequate knowledge on palliative care and 52.38% having inadequate knowledge regarding palliative care and 5.71% participants having unfavourable attitude while 94.29% having favourable attitude regarding palliative care.

Conclusion

Based on the present research findings, it was concluded that majority of students had inadequate level of knowledge regarding palliative care and majority of students have favourable attitude regarding palliative care. So, there is a need to organize session on palliative care to increase the knowledge of participants.