Current State of Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Physical Therapy Students toward Patients with Dementia: Comparison of First- and Fourth-year Students

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to learn about the current state of knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate physical therapy students toward patients with dementia to assist the education of students in dementia. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a longitudinal survey of 95 first- and 86 fourth-year undergraduate physical therapy students regarding knowledge (15 questions) and attitudes (14 questions) toward dementia. [Results] Knowledge of dementia significantly increased in the fourth year students; however, no significant difference was found in attitudes, even though a significant increase was noted in the scores of positive attitude questions. [Conclusion] Undergraduate physical therapy students' knowledge of dementia significantly improved from the first to fourth year; however, no significant change was noted in their attitudes.