Knowledge and attitudes of primary healthcare professionals and managers regarding aging

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the attitudes and knowledge of health professionals and managers working in Primary Care regarding aging. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample. The Palmore-Neri-Cachioni Questionnaire of Basic Knowledge about Old Age – Updated and Revised (2022) and the Neri Scale of Attitudes Toward Old Age were used. Data collection was carried out through the application of an online questionnaire to 115 participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for sociodemographic variables and for the scores of the applied instruments. Mean comparison and correlation tests were performed, adopting a significance level of 5%. The majority of the sample consisted of health professionals (66.96%), who presented positive attitudes (2.81; SD=0.48). The average score on the knowledge questionnaire was 63.83% (SD=9.83). Males showed greater knowledge (p=0.04). Knowledge was not related to attitudes. Assessing attitudes and knowledge towards older adults is essential, as it can reflect on the appropriate healthcare provided to this population. The results may support effective interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging, from the educational process to healthcare practice and public health policies.