Knowledge and attitudes toward dementia care and associated factors among nursing students in Indonesia: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) represent the largest group of people with functional impairments requiring long-term care in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes toward ADRD, as well as the associated factors among nursing students in Indonesia. This nationwide cross-sectional study involved 754 nursing students selected from 47 universities in Indonesia. All nursing students completed a self-reported electronic questionnaire that included the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS). The findings revealed that the students demonstrated low levels of knowledge regarding ADRD, while their attitudes toward the condition were moderately positive. Access to self-directed learning material about dementia through online resources, as well as gaining experience caring for neighbors with ADRD, was associated with an increase in knowledge about ADRD. Older students, particularly those in their junior and senior academic years, who engaged in self-directed learning about dementia care–whether through online platforms or books–and had practical experience caring for individuals with ADRD, demonstrated more positive attitudes toward dementia care.