Knowledge and Attitude of Pharmacy Students Regarding Geriatrics Care and Elderly in Saudi Arabia

Background: The global increase in the elderly population necessitates that pharmacy students are well-equipped to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults. In Saudi Arabia, there is limited information on pharmacy students’ knowledge and attitudes towards geriatric care. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of PharmD students in Saudi universities regarding geriatric care and elderly patients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among PharmD students from various universities in Saudi Arabia. The survey included sections on demographics, knowledge of geriatrics, and attitudes towards elderly patients. Knowledge was assessed through a series of multiple-choice questions, and attitudes were measured using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests to determine the significance of differences between groups. Results: Out of 141 respondents, 89 completed the survey. The average knowledge score was 8 (SD 1.6), with 58% of students demonstrating high knowledge levels. A positive attitude towards elderly patients was prevalent, with over half of the respondents believing in societal responsibility for elderly care. Majority of high-knowledge respondents were male, fourth-year students, and those with prior experience with older adults. However, the differences between high and moderate to low knowledge groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study reveals that many PharmD students have moderate to low knowledge about geriatric, despite having a generally positive attitude towards elderly patients. It is recommended that policymakers recruit geriatricians into health colleges to advocate for and enhance geriatric content in pharmacy programs.