Abstract
Purpose
This study determined the level of knowledge and awareness of elder neglect and abuse among nursing students in Turkey.
Design and Methods
This cross‐sectional, descriptive study surveyed 2128 nursing students across seven Turkish universities.
Findings
Results indicated that 31.1% of students had received training on elder neglect and abuse; 77.5% considered their knowledge of the topic to be sufficient; 18.7% had encountered elder neglect and abuse during their education; 58.7% did nothing for the situation; 95.2% thought that people living alone were exposed to elder neglect and abuse more frequently; and 94.8% of students thought that elders who could not meet their own needs were exposed to more neglect and abuse.
Practice Implications
Future nurses need to increase their level of knowledge about abuse and neglect of the elderly.