Knowledge regarding Hospice Care among undergraduate nursing students of Akal College of Nursing, Baru Sahib, District Sirmour Himachal Pradesh

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Hospice care is essential in enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from terminal illnesses by addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Nurses play a crucial role in delivering hospice services; therefore, it is important that nursing students possess adequate knowledge to provide effective end-of-life care. The present study was undertaken to assess the level of knowledge regarding hospice care among undergraduate nursing students and to examine its association with selected socio-demographic variables. A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive research design was used for this study. The research was carried out in a selected nursing college in District Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 146 undergraduate nursing students from B.Sc. Nursing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. The results indicated that most students had moderately adequate knowledge regarding hospice care, while fewer students demonstrated adequate knowledge and some had inadequate understanding. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge levels and certain socio-demographic variables. The study concludes that there is a need to strengthen hospice care education within the undergraduate nursing curriculum through structured teaching programs, practical exposure, and workshops. Improving knowledge among nursing students will enhance the quality of end-of-life care and promote compassionate nursing practice.