Profiling Physicians’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes on Geriatric Care in Senegal Using Latent Class Analysis
Alassane Ndiaye, El Hadji Bara Diop, Betty Fall, Houlèye Saou, Ahmadou Mboup, Massamba Ba, Atoumane Faye, Mamadou CouméAbstract
Introduction:
Senegal is facing the growing complexity of health needs among older adults (OAs) due to the increasing life expectancy of its population. To address this issue, the country has launched a National Strategic Plan for Healthy Aging 2024–2028. It is therefore necessary to study the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of healthcare providers.
Methods:
A national survey was conducted among physicians from August 19 to October 05, 2025, using a self-administered questionnaire. We collected the demographic data and information on knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. We conducted a latent class analysis to group respondents according to common characteristics of knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding the care of OAs. A secondary Chi-square test was used to identify the factors associated with class membership. Analyses were performed using Jamovi 2.6.26.
Results:
Out of 82 responses, 73 were analyzed. Most respondents (38.4%) had completed a medical specialty, 65.8% practiced in the Dakar region, and three-quarters had never received training in geriatrics. A good overall level of knowledge was found in 42.5%. Three classes were identified. Class 1 (54.5% of the sample) consisted of providers with moderate knowledge and perception but very good attitudes. Class 2 (12.3%) was characterized by poor scores across all three indicators. Class 3 (33.2%) was defined by good knowledge, with partially satisfactory perception and attitude.
Conclusion:
Our results show a heterogeneous level of knowledge, contrasting with a relatively good perception of geriatric care and highlight the significant need for training among nongeriatric physicians. Moreover, a higher level of knowledge would likely improve perception, thereby facilitating implementation.