Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas acerca de sujeciones físicas en cuidadores de los centros geriátricos de la ciudad de Cuenca, durante el año 2018

Abstract

Background: the use of physical restraints mainly as a means of preventing falls in older adults living in long-stay centers has been widely documented, several studies have focused on evaluating knowledge about the subject, as well as looking for a way to reduce its use. General objective: evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices about physical restraints in the caregivers of the geriatric centers of the city of Cuenca, during the year 2018. Methodology: descriptive, observational cross-sectional study. 60 surveys were applied to caregivers of adults over 6 Geriatric Centers of the City of Cuenca. For data collection, a questionnaire of knowledge, attitudes and practices of personnel with respect to physical restraints was applied, elaborated by Janelli et al, adapted by Kaya et al (annex 3). The data was tabulated with the SPSS program version 22.0 with which percentages and frequencies were calculated; the exact Fisher's test was used for the statistical association according to the relevant variables. In addition, composite tables were prepared according to the proposed variables. Results: Respondents were predominantly female (98.3%), mostly young adults (75%), 90% of the caregivers were qualified as nursing assistants. No statistically significant association was demonstrated in terms of knowledge, attitudes and practices with the profession of caregivers. Conclusions: the knowledge and practice’s level were intermediate, with negative attitudes about physical restraints in caregivers.