Differences in the participants’ general knowledge of delirium based on demographic variables (N = 319)_
| Variable | N | Mean | SD | t | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | |||||
| Male | 136 | 8.01 | 2.17 | -0.728 | 0.467 |
| Female | 183 | 8.19 | 2.00 | ||
| Academic | |||||
| Third | 100 | 7.68 | 1.76 | -2.538 | 0.012 |
| Fourth | 219 | 8.31 | 2.18 | ||
| Type of university | |||||
| Government | 124 | 8.04 | 2.05 | -0.497 | 0.619 |
| Private | 195 | 8.16 | 2.09 | ||
| Study pathway | |||||
| Regular | 150 | 7.55 | 2.13 | -4.683 | 0.000 |
| Bridging | 169 | 8.61 | 1.90 | ||
| Was the topic of delirium discussed in study courses? | |||||
| Yes | 201 | 8.28 | 2.01 | 1.926 | 0.060 |
| No | 118 | 7.82 | 2.16 | ||
Participants’ demographics and experiences (N = 319)_
| Variable | Frequency | Percentage (%) | Mean | SD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 25.3 | 6.11 | ||
| Gender | ||||
| Male | 136 | 42.6 | ||
| Female | 183 | 57.4 | ||
| Academic year | ||||
| Third | 100 | 31.3 | ||
| Fourth | 219 | 68.7 | ||
| Type of university | ||||
| Government | 124 | 38.9 | ||
| Private | 195 | 61.1 | ||
| Study pathway | ||||
| Regular | 150 | 47 | ||
| Bridging | 169 | 53 | ||
| Was the topic of delirium discussed in study courses? | ||||
| Yes | 201 | 63 | ||
| No | 118 | 37 | ||
Descriptive data on participants’ knowledge of risks for delirium (N = 319)_
| Item | Frequency of correct responses | Percentage of correct responses (%) |
|---|---|---|
| A patient having a repair of a fractured neck of the femur has the same risk for delirium as a patient having an elective hip replacement | 162 | 50.8 |
| The risk for delirium increases with age | 287 | 90 |
| A patient with impaired vision is at increased risk of delirium | 192 | 60.2 |
| The greater the number of medications a patient is taking, the greater their risk of delirium | 254 | 79.6 |
| A urinary catheter in the appropriate position reduces the risk of delirium | 199 | 62.4 |
| Gender does not affect the development of delirium | 170 | 53.3 |
| Poor nutrition increases the risk of delirium | 241 | 75.5 |
| Dementia is the greatest risk factor for delirium | 282 | 88.4 |
| Males are more at risk of delirium than females | 206 | 64.6 |
| Diabetes is a high-risk factor for delirium | 99 | 31 |
| Dehydration can be a risk factor for delirium | 215 | 67.4 |
| Hearing impairment increases the risk of delirium | 218 | 68.3 |
| Obesity is a risk factor for delirium | 196 | 61.4 |
| A family history of dementia predisposes a patient to delirium | 40 | 12.5 |
Differences in the participants’ knowledge of risks for delirium based on their demographics (N = 391)_
| Variable | N | Mean | SD | t | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | |||||
| Male | 136 | 8.90 | 2.07 | -3.238 | 0.398 |
| Female | 183 | 8.96 | 1.88 | ||
| Academic year | |||||
| Third | 100 | 7.94 | 2.00 | -4.463 | 0.000 |
| Fourth | 219 | 8.98 | 1.90 | ||
| Type of university | |||||
| Government | 124 | 8.59 | 2.05 | -0.475 | 0.635 |
| Private | 195 | 8.70 | 2.09 | ||
| Study pathway | |||||
| Regular | 150 | 8.53 | 2.06 | -1.030 | 0.304 |
| Bridging | 169 | 8.76 | 1.93 | ||
| Was the topic of delirium discussed in study courses? | |||||
| Yes | 201 | 8.72 | 2.15 | 0.447 | 0.655 |
| No | 118 | 8.62 | 1.89 | ||
Descriptive data on participants’ general knowledge of delirium (N = 319)_
| Item | Frequency of correct responses | Percentage of correct responses (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Fluctuation between orientation and disorientation is not typical of delirium (False) | 141 | 44.2 |
| Symptoms of depression may mimic delirium (True) | 261 | 81.8 |
| Treatment for delirium always includes sedation (False) | 191 | 59.9 |
| Patients never remember episodes of delirium (False) | 96 | 30.1 |
| A MMSE is the best way to diagnose delirium (False) | 63 | 13.7 |
| Delirium never lasts for more than a few hours (False) | 179 | 56.1 |
| A patient who is lethargic and difficult to rouse does not have a delirium (False) | 152 | 47.6 |
| Patients with delirium are always physically and/or verbally aggressive (False) | 99 | 31.0 |
| Delirium is generally caused by alcohol withdrawal (False) | 106 | 33.2 |
| Patients with delirium have a higher mortality rate (True) | 215 | 67.4 |
| Behavioral changes in the course of the day are typical of delirium (True) | 254 | 79.6 |
| A patient with delirium is likely to be easily distracted and/or have difficulty following a conversation (True) | 276 | 86.5 |
| Patients with delirium will often experience perceptual disturbances (True) | 271 | 85.0 |
| Altered sleep/wake cycle may be a symptom of delirium (True) | 284 | 89.0 |