KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD THE DEPARTMENT OF GERIATRICS AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 65 YEARS AND OLDER IN PRIMARY CARE

<jats:p xml:lang="tr">Introduction: As the older population increases, comprehensive management of chronic diseases, polypharmacy, functional decline, and geriatric syndromes has become increasingly important. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding the department of geriatrics among individuals aged 65 years and older in primary care. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive survey study included 260 individuals aged 65 years and older who presented to a family health center in Konya, Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, health care utilization, awareness and knowledge of geriatrics, and attitudes toward geriatric services were evaluated. Factors associated with willingness to attend a geriatrics outpatient clinic upon family physician referral were analyzed using multivariable binary logistic regression. Results: The median age was 71 years, and 52.7% of participants were female. At least one chronic disease was present in 86.2%, and polypharmacy in 52.3%. Only 7.3% had previously heard of the department of geriatrics, and 6.5% had attended a geriatrics outpatient clinic. However, 92.3% considered a specialized department for older adults necessary, 79.6% stated that they would attend if referred by their family physician, and 95.4% wanted to receive information about geriatrics. Being married, having formal education, and higher number of comorbidities were independently associated with willingness to attend. Conclusion: Awareness of geriatrics was low among older adults in primary care, despite high perceived need and willingness to receive information. Family health centers may serve as key settings for improving geriatric awareness and referral.</jats:p>