Zhen Shi, Ying-Biao Chen

Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Zhen Shi, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fujian Health College, No. 366 Guankou, Jingxi Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 18506045883, Email 38284985@qq.com

Purpose: Effective management of chronic pain in older adults is essential for enhancing physical health, quality of life, and psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health sciences students regarding chronic pain among older adults.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among health sciences students at Fujian Health College from November to December 2023, utilizing a validated questionnaire. A total of 1785 valid questionnaires were enrolled (356 males; mean age: 18.82± 0.94 years). A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to determine how the KAP dimensions influenced each other.
Results: The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 20.60± 3.22 (possible range: 0– 32; 64.38% of maximum range), 48.57± 8.31 (possible range: 12– 60; 80.95% of maximum range), and 28.62± 6.67 (possible range: 9– 45; 63.60% of maximum range), respectively. The SEM analysis indicated that knowledge directly influenced attitudes (β=0.91, P< 0.001) and practices (β=0.14, P=0.002), with an indirect influence on practices (β=0.28, P< 0.001). Attitudes directly influenced practices (β=0.30, P< 0.001).
Conclusion: The study found that health sciences students exhibited moderate knowledge, a positive attitude, and moderate practices concerning chronic pain in older adults. Targeted educational interventions on this topic are essential in the training curriculum for future healthcare providers.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, chronic pain, older adults, health sciences students, cross-sectional study